This specific chapter caught my attention the most because it made me feel happy while I was reading. It made me feel happy because many non- profit organization are doing amazing things to help children with autism. “In 2011, a nonprofit corporation called the Theatre Development Fund in New York City launched an initiative to encourage Broadway producers to offer “autism-friendly” performances of hit shows like Mary Poppins and The Lion King” (472). No matter what disorder a child has, he/she should be welcome everywhere and I am proud of this organization for coming up with this amazing idea. “At these events, the use of strobe lights and pyrotechnics onstage was limited, quiet areas were set aside in the theater lobby, and social stories were made available to parents beforehand so that their children could know what to expect.” (472). These kids will feel comfortable as if they are in their own home. They will not be startled by anything; they can actually sit with their parents and enjoy a show just as any ordinary kids would. A child with autism didn’t ask to be an autistic child so we should all remember to treat others the same you would treat yourselves.
“At the White House Science Fair in 2012, President Obama was feautured shooting off an “Extreme Marshmallow Cannon,” which a fourteen-year-old autistic boy named Joey Hudy had designed and built himself” (473). Society tend to categorized Autistic children as abnormal but can someone explain or show me which so call “normal” 14 year old boy/girl can designed and built something on their own. I don’t think we can ever find a “normal” 14 year old child to ever build such invention. Most 14 years old boys today are interested in playing video games that’s already been invented by some other genius.
I was also happy when I came to the end of the NeuroTribes (especially because much of the previous chapters were filled with horrifying stories). You highlight good things in this post: an example of people embracing and accommodating those with autism, and an example of an innovation that comes from an autistic individual. In regards to changing what people think of “abnormal” and the connotations around the word, so individuals can be treated better? I’m … not sure how to go about helping that, but I think NeuroTribes certainly tries to help by giving a thorough historical context of autism while engaging with various key figure’s and their perception of autism.
So it’s a great thing that people want to encourage Broadway shows to be more autistic friendly. Before reading about this I never noticed the details of live performances and how they may be too much for a person to take in at once. For me the lights, loud sounds, and constant action is what enhances the show, but I can see how that may cause a person to go into sensory overload. In your post you say that “a child with autism didn’t ask to be an autistic child so we should all remember to treat others the same way you would treat yourself”. I agree with this statement, but I don’t think that all people treat others with autism “bad” just because they have autism or any other neurological difference. I think it’s very easy for people on the outside looking in to cast judgement on the people who take care of neuroatypical people. I’m not saying that it is okay to treat anybody poorly, but I can also imagine that it’s not always easy being around a person who’s neurological makeup is so different than your own.
This specific chapter made me feel happy as well. I think it’s great that there are organizations as such, which take the initiative to make a memorable experience for autistic children. I also agree with Natasha, I did not really realize how much went into a performance and how all the features that make me excited could make someone who is autistic feel uncomfortable. It makes me step back for a moment and appreciate certain things and offers a feeling of comfort that these children are not forgotten. As far as your statement “Society tend to categorized Autistic children as abnormal but can someone explain or show me which so call “normal” 14 year old boy/girl can designed and built something on their own.” I think we all have our individual creativity and thought processes, some kids are creative and tend to build things while other might like to play games either virtually or physically. Not all pre-teens who are geniuses are autistic and not all autistic children are geniuses. You are right in the fact that we should not differentiate between normal vs. abnormal because at the end of the day we are all simply human beings.
Tajmattie,
Chapter 12 definitely felt like a load off our shoulders. There were times in the book that sometimes felt a bit overwhelming. The medical terms and the different cases sometimes brought a sense of hopeless and negativity – some of it felt so cold and emotionless. Chapter 12 was a good close the book. Its mention of the “growing alliance of autistic self-advocates, parents and educators” helped me in envision a better future. There are so many great ideas and concepts that could start happening right now if people would just open their eyes to the possibilities. I loved the idea of a “world that could offer a variety of sensory-friendly environments.. an inclusive school…designated quiet spaces…noise reducing headphones, sunglasses to avoid glare and other easily affordable and minimally disruptive accommodations” (471) To think of a time when thats the norm; a time when every corner you turn, every school, every restaurant, every park, made to accommodate all kinds of children and people. Sounds phenomenal! Even the very end of the chapter gives us something to look forward to “There is much work to be done” – this kind of work never ends, there are people that are always working for bigger, better, greater things!