On the Autism Society of America website's frontpage, there is a link to a TIME article about sensory-friendly film screenings for children with autism and other disorders that makes going to regular movies stressful.
In these special screenings, the lights are lowered but not completely turned off, the sound is lowered, and the theater allows people to bring snacks from home. Additionally, theater staff do not kick people out for talking or yelling during the film.
These sensory-friendly movies could be great, both for children with neurological disorders that makes going to movies difficult, and to bring about greater awareness to autism. Now, captioned films for deaf people are pretty typical for theaters, and if sensory-friendly films become typical as well, perhaps the stigma of autism will be lessened. If everyone sees from multiple signs that 10:00am is the showing for sensory-friendly films, then maybe they will be more aware of how widespread autism is.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
New Legislation
Recently, the Autism Society of America has come out in support of a bill that would attempt to regulate chemical substances. The hope is that by reducing chemicals in the environment such as mercury and lead, there will be less cases of autism.
Although it is hard to argue against keeping a closer watch on dangerous chemicals, there is no real proof that autism is caused by environmental factors. Chemicals like lead and mercury are dangerous, even without the risk of autism. However, there is no study that proves that autism is a direct cause of these chemicals. In fact, in the article that the Autism Society of America put on their website, they mention that "scientists suspect" that these might be triggers. They don't know for sure, and so it is hard to understand why the Autism Society of America would throw themselves into support of a bill that may or may not even be related to the disorder.
Although it is hard to argue against keeping a closer watch on dangerous chemicals, there is no real proof that autism is caused by environmental factors. Chemicals like lead and mercury are dangerous, even without the risk of autism. However, there is no study that proves that autism is a direct cause of these chemicals. In fact, in the article that the Autism Society of America put on their website, they mention that "scientists suspect" that these might be triggers. They don't know for sure, and so it is hard to understand why the Autism Society of America would throw themselves into support of a bill that may or may not even be related to the disorder.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
I'm a Family Member, I'm on the spectrum, I'm a professional
When checking the Autism Society of America website this morning, it was impossible to miss the giant box on the front page with three people featured, a family member, someone on the spectrum, and a professional.
Clicking on their pictures leads to a personal statement from each person. The statements are compelling, especially the one from the family member. And while the statement from the man on the spectrum isn't directly about autism, it provides a great insight into the communication skills of this individual with autism. The title on top of the page reads 'Imagine the Possibilities.'
This tactic, of providing personal experiences from people directly and indirectly effected by the autism disorder is a great tool for the organization. There is no sense of 'pitying' in section and it is in general a very uplifting section of the website. The fact that it is real people and not some distant researcher or social organizer makes their stories much more compelling. Parents are able to see what people with autism are capable of, relate to other parents of children with autism, and gain insight on the life of a professional autism therapist.
Although this section of the website is relatively small, it is attention grabbing and very effective. Personally, reading those stories makes me want to know more about the disorder and the organization, which is a goal any social change group should have in regards to website content.
Clicking on their pictures leads to a personal statement from each person. The statements are compelling, especially the one from the family member. And while the statement from the man on the spectrum isn't directly about autism, it provides a great insight into the communication skills of this individual with autism. The title on top of the page reads 'Imagine the Possibilities.'
This tactic, of providing personal experiences from people directly and indirectly effected by the autism disorder is a great tool for the organization. There is no sense of 'pitying' in section and it is in general a very uplifting section of the website. The fact that it is real people and not some distant researcher or social organizer makes their stories much more compelling. Parents are able to see what people with autism are capable of, relate to other parents of children with autism, and gain insight on the life of a professional autism therapist.
Although this section of the website is relatively small, it is attention grabbing and very effective. Personally, reading those stories makes me want to know more about the disorder and the organization, which is a goal any social change group should have in regards to website content.
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