Autism on "Days of Our Lives": Is This a Good Thing? Your Opinion Requested! I think I watched two episodes of the soap opera Days of Our Lives back in the 1970's. I haven't seen the show since then. So I have no clue whether this press release from Autism Speaks (which is working with the show's writing staff) represents a breakthrough or a pitfall for the autism community. Here's what the release has to say: http://autism.about.com/b/2008/06/11/autism-on-days-of-our-lives-is-this-a-good-thing-your-opinion-requested.htm?nl=1 The growing autism crisis – which has recently drawn increasing national attention -- is addressed in a personal manner beginning in the June 24 episode of NBC's daytime drama “Days of our Lives” in an insightful story based on the experiences of the series' head writer, Dena Higley, who, with her husband has raised Commisioner Abe Caver, Dr. Lexie Carver and Theo an autistic child of their own. NBC joins with Autism Speaks, the nation's leading autism advocacy organization, to help convey a message of hope and useful information during the course of the storyline.
stevenjimbo wrote this reply on Jun 16, 2008 3:52 pm
I like the idea of a series addressing that is important. But to give the role to the Carvers is one I wouldn't want to pick. Lexie Carver is always cheating on her husband. Of course it's just a soap opera,but they are bringing in a great format for a subject.
Anamcara wrote this reply on Jun 17, 2008 7:17 pm
I think the question will be how they choose to address it...whether it will be "sensationalist," (i.e., the child is made to be on the severe end of the spectrum, rather than using the experiences from the contributing writer involved whose son is high functioning), or use it as a tool to educate about the difficulties and frustrations parents encounter in (a) getting a diagnosis, (b) the lack of and need for access to proper therapies, (c) the attitudes of both medical and educational service providers, as well as (d) the negative perceptions that exist in society as a whole, including well-meaning family members. This can either help or damage the reality of families coping with autism.
