Why 'The Good Doctor' Is Bad Medicine for Autism

[hewontgo]

On #WorldAutismAwarenessDay, three experts explain what Hollywood gets wrong about the complex and widespread disorder https://t.co/7dDs1gj7Xq
- Hollywood Reporter (@THR) April 2, 2018
April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day

Comments

[frejasface]

I'm still getting used to thinking about autism as an identity to be proud of and not a developmental disorder. I mean, there is a wide spectrum but I think a lot of people who do not have autism are self-diagnosing or misdiagnosed because ~they are awkward~ and start affectionately calling themselves Aspies. Idk, I've worked with a lot of autistic kids and I have complicated thoughts.

[mingemonster]

It can be both, and sometimes for the same person. Just because something is difficult doesn't mean it isn't an integral part of you, or that that part of you isn't worthy of respect. Being autistic causes me problems, but so does being gay and being a woman.

[frejasface]

Absolutely true, that's super important

[onlytheycreate]

ia

[zoaster_toaster]

As someone who was diagnosed and works with autistic people and other developmentally disabled people, I'd say it's both. Self-diagnosing is a complicated matter but coming into one's own with their diagnosis isn't something bad.

[colorfilm]

we can have our struggles with it and still be proud of who we are.

[zoaster_toaster]

THIS

[colorfilm]

re.: self-dx, i personally won't give autistic poc and woc shit for it after dealing with my share of professionals who were like, "black people can't have autism", there is a reason adult women discover they are autistic very late in their lives.

[nutmegdealer]

what?!? what did you say after that?

[colorfilm]

he (because of course it was an old man) kept interrupting me whenever i wanted to explain myself and provide reasons (because i document all my shit in writing, i did a lot of research before deciding to seek helpand support in that area) and he kept saying "why do you need a label" and chuckling. he was a whole douchebag and my bf was there with me and even had trouble staying calm.

he sadly was not the last but the one that really disearthened me was a woman because i falsely though "oh she’s a woman, she'll get me" but lord i was wrong.

there’s way too much ignorance and misconceptions about poc/woc regarding disability/mental illness, i dont blame anyone for not wanting to deal with professionals.

[nutmegdealer]

i'm so sorry that you ever had to deal with that shit and i hope you've been able to find professional, empathetic doctors.

[dolcefire]

I have to rely on self-diagnosis also, as every time I take a trip to my doctors I end up with a response stating that they refuse to diagnose adults 'as there will be no help available on the NHS.' I honestly think it's due to me being a woman.

I'm sorry about your experiences.

[frejasface]

Really well said.

[tippani]

I agree with this, I wish more parents would also see it this way.