Max braverman: parenthood
As a young man, growing up with Autism, Max Braverman embodies the qualities typical of a child with Autism without harping on them or making a political statement. These qualities make him who he is. He is not an autistic boy. He is a boy who has Autism. Actor Max Burkholder plays this character with honesty, passion, and a sense of realism that can apply his character’s situation to the real world. The producers, creators, and the actor himself have put much effort into this idea.
Max Braverman has been given several pivotal episodes and scenes since his character's Asperger's diagnosis, giving viewers a new take on family dynamics, but also something to talk about. "Parenthood" showrunner Jason Katims has spoken at length about his decision to include a character with Asperger's, fully acknowledging that it would be an added effort to make the stories and portrayal authentic and to tell such personal stories since his own son has Asperger's. But in the end, these were stories worth telling, and the reaction to the character of Max has been an extremely positive one.
Burkholder previously spoke with The Huffington Post about the amount of research that goes into Max's storylines. "Every couple of episodes I have a meeting with the executive producer, and the director of the episodes, and sometimes some of the writers, and a doctor specializing in Asperger's and we just talk about what Max would be doing in certain situations, like how he would react to certain things and if everyone was over here doing this, what would Max be doing?" he said.
Dr. McDonald notes that a difficulty with social interaction is the most common trait of someone with Asperger's, noting that "their language development is normal, their IQs are high, they're very project-oriented, they complete concrete, repetitive or technical tasks very quickly and very well ... as long as they don't have to work with other people and manage the intricacies of social relationships."
In this scene, Max Braverman is running for student council president with the platform of bringing back the vending machines the school took away from the students. In the episodes leading to this moment, Max struggles to cope with that change in his daily routine. He could no longer rely on the vending machine for his daily snack, and obsesses on the idea of reclaiming that part of his day. His decision to run for student council president is nothing more than an impulsive decision aimed at solving this one specific problem for his own good. In this way, Max’s autism prevents him from realizing the social implications of his decision and how it would require him to gain the support of other students, who he would then have to relate to and work with.
This realistic scene is a moving speech Max made for his position as student council president. As a fairly young boy, Max is still learning about being on the spectrum and how that makes him different from other kids. He knows that he doesn’t relate to people normally, and he does not have many friends. He chooses to use his understanding of his disorder to explain himself and promote his strengths. His tenacious attitude and ability to impose himself on others to a fault are realistic. The detailed idiosyncrasies develop the character further than most television shows would dare to do, bringing a heavy reality to the show, and leaving a lasting impact on viewers.
SHELDON COOPER: Big bang theory
No one would make the mistake of calling Sheldon Cooper “normal.” His character on "The Big Bang Theory" embraces the quirks and unconventional ways of reacting to situation that Sheldon so often embodies. However, unlike many other television shows, Big Bang never explicitly identifies or defines his social problems. He has become arguably the most beloved character on the show with more comedic moments than many others. He is often a spectacle to laugh at, or a reminder that we all have those friends who often take their quirks too far.
Without defining Sheldon as being on the spectrum, viewers can note some oddities common with an autism diagnosis. We see him sitting on the same spot on the couch, exhibiting social problems (inability to differentiate irony, sarcasm, and humor) and showing disconnect from others (female touch and intimacy).
Not all TV characters are ready -- or willing -- to be diagnosed. "The Big Bang Theory's" Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) is probably one of the most obvious examples of a TV character who appears to have Asperger's. But co-creator Bill Prady has said that they've never written him with that specific intention, and they will never say that he does, indeed, have Asperger's. Some speculate that a diagnosis of autism would take away from the comedy of the sitcom and launch them into heavier territory, a direction that the show is not ready to take. There is no telling whether or not the character of Sheldon will ever be diagnosed, or how it would change the show unless they followed through with addressing it. Until that happens, he will continue to be the most loved character on the show who just happens to stray from what we consider “normal.”
Without defining Sheldon as being on the spectrum, viewers can note some oddities common with an autism diagnosis. We see him sitting on the same spot on the couch, exhibiting social problems (inability to differentiate irony, sarcasm, and humor) and showing disconnect from others (female touch and intimacy).
Not all TV characters are ready -- or willing -- to be diagnosed. "The Big Bang Theory's" Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) is probably one of the most obvious examples of a TV character who appears to have Asperger's. But co-creator Bill Prady has said that they've never written him with that specific intention, and they will never say that he does, indeed, have Asperger's. Some speculate that a diagnosis of autism would take away from the comedy of the sitcom and launch them into heavier territory, a direction that the show is not ready to take. There is no telling whether or not the character of Sheldon will ever be diagnosed, or how it would change the show unless they followed through with addressing it. Until that happens, he will continue to be the most loved character on the show who just happens to stray from what we consider “normal.”
You're just in time. I believe I have isolated the algorithum for making friends
Spencer reid: criminal minds
Spencer Reid is a genius and autodidact who graduated from a Las Vegas public high school at age 12. He has an IQ of 187, an eidetic memory, and can read 20,000 words per minute (an average American adult reads prose text at 250 to 300 words per minute). He holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics from Caltech, in addition to a Ph.D. in Chemistry and Engineering, as well as B.A.s in Psychology and Sociology. As is characteristic of people with Asperger's Syndrome, Reid is socially awkward. He often fixates on things (prompting Morgan and other team members to have to tell him to be quiet), and misses social cues at times (for example, unknowingly changing the subject of a conversation). The unknown subject in "Broken Mirror" noted this, and stated in an interview in the show's second season, "[Reid]'s an eccentric genius, with hints of schizophrenia and minor autism, Asperger's Syndrome. Reid is 30 years old with three Ph.D.s and one can not usually achieve that without some form of autism.” Writer Sharon Lee Watson stated in a twitter chat that Reid's Asperger traits makes the character more lovable.
Reid struggles with his emotions. He is a technophobe, and does not use either email or the new iPads. Reid is also germaphobic. In general, he dislikes shaking hands, and shows adverse reactions when touched by strangers. It is speculated the character may also have slight obsessive compulsive disorder, particularly from a scene in "Out of the Light" where Derek Morgan slightly moves an item in an OCD unknown subject's home, and Reid immediately places it back to its previous spot.
Throughout the show, Reid has shown a lack of interest when interacting with women. The only three exceptions are Lila Archer, a young actress he was assigned to protect, Austin, a bartender he wooed with magic tricks while showing her a sketch of a potential suspect, and Maeve, a geneticist he first met through correspondence, then later weekly phone calls. In "Memoriam", a prostitute hits on Reid in a Las Vegas casino, but he is oblivious to her intentions.
In this episode, Reid really becomes very attached and connected to a boy with Autism named Sammy whose parents were kidnapped. Reid realizes all the signs and clues Sammy is trying to give to the FBI to tell them where the kidnappers took his parents. This amazing scene shows Reid and Sammy sitting on the chair in front of the piano and Sammy starts playing a song. Reid is confused on what the song means to him. Sammy (who is very sensitive to touch) takes Reid's hand, places it on the piano, teaches him the song, and they play it together. At the end, we see him walking home after purchasing a keyboard.
Spencer Reid can see the similarities between Sammy and himself. The sensitivity to touch is a common symptom of Autism. Without blatantly discussing the concept or diagnosis of Autism, this scene shows a reality of a man who is dealing with Autism and has to put his problems with touch aside to do his job. Whether or not Sammy, who may be non-verbal and chooses to communicate through song on the piano, is a realistic character is a separate issue. But for Spencer Reid, this scene is a valid representation of a moment in the life of a man with Autism.
Brothers with autism: true life
In a documentary setting, MTV takes on the responsibility of telling the story of Brad, 24, and Kenny Benjamin, 23, brothers who both have Autism. Their “True Life” special follows the brothers as they attempt tasks consistent with growing up. They are learning to cook their own dinners and break their fast food habits, get drivers licenses, and throw dinner parties to increase their social interactions. They live with their parents, but are taking steps toward achieving a greater independence.
They are allowing the cameras into their lives to increase awareness of the disorder, and to invite respect for people who have autism. They want to be taken seriously as adults and be looked at as men, not men with autism.
Brad and Kenny want jobs. They want girlfriends. They want to increase awareness. MTV has a wide audience that will hopefully tune in for the special (True Life Presents: The Benjamins), airing April 26th at 7 p.m. on MTV.
They are allowing the cameras into their lives to increase awareness of the disorder, and to invite respect for people who have autism. They want to be taken seriously as adults and be looked at as men, not men with autism.
Brad and Kenny want jobs. They want girlfriends. They want to increase awareness. MTV has a wide audience that will hopefully tune in for the special (True Life Presents: The Benjamins), airing April 26th at 7 p.m. on MTV.
I just hope that people could understand that people with autism need some love and caring
arnie: What's eating gilbert grape
Arnie Grape exhibits many qualities consistent with an autism diagnosis. In his moderately severe case, Arnie presents with behavioral outbursts that include echolalia, or the automatic repetition of vocalizations made by another person. Arnie loudly repeats back what his family members say, and this is especially apparent in this clip. The realistic representation of Autism is an honest portrayal of a moderately severe case, which is much more extreme on the spectrum than an Asperger’s diagnosis, like Max Braverman from Parenthood has.
Arnie has a self-centered view of the world. He cannot see the world through another person’s eyes nor feel empathy toward other people’s feelings. This is known as egocentrism, a key concept in the preoperational stage of development. Bachara (1976) conducted a study in which 12 year old boys with learning disabilities were compared on the Borke Scales for Empathy and found that learning disabled children had significantly greater difficulty recognizing and labeling emotions. Furthermore, Auyeung et al. (2009) conducted a study in which children were tested with the children’s version of the Empathy Quotient and Systemizing Quotient; findings show that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a learning and developmental disability, scored significantly lower on the Empathy Quotient when compared with typical boys.
There are plenty of examples that show Arnie’s self-centered views. When Arnie begins yelling that their father is dead at the table, he does not seem to understand the distressed look on her mother’s features. He can’t understand why anybody would be upset about it if he is having fun. Similarly, during the funeral for Mr. Carver, Arnie does not understand the sorrow of the people gathered nor does he feel empathy; instead, he is seen in the distance playing on his father’s tombstone and, later, joyfully cheering as the Burger Barn restaurant is being hauled through the street.
Throughout the movie we see Gilbert fighting his urge to leave all behind and the responsibilities that come with being the head of the family and taking care of Arnie. Arnie, however, does not understand his point of view and constantly gets into trouble, which adds to Gilbert’s distress, a common occurrence in real life situations. Arnie solely thought of what made him happy or joyful as opposed as noticing the non-verbal cues of distress in Gilbert and his mother.
Including a character such as Arnie into the film invites a viewer to see how a child with Autism can affect family dynamics, even in this fictional situation. The complexity of Arnie Grape is beneficial to the progression of “special needs” characters and their relevance on screen. This 1993 film was way ahead of its time concerning the prevalence of this character with Autism in the plot of the film. Having Arnie’s role in the film be pivotal in affecting change in the main character shows him as a real person. This may not seem like a big deal, but taking the limited research and openness of Autism Spectrum Disorder into account, it made more of an impact on the film and television community that they initially realized to be possible.