So today I had a talk with a TV producer for a nationwide company about a possible reality TV show featuring the lives of those with Aspergers and Autism. I am not going to identify the company, nor the name of the person I talk to because I don’t want to upset them. I would however like to get feedback from the Autism Community on this. The lady I talked to stated that the goal of this reality TV show is:
- To show that people with Aspergers and Autism do have some struggles
- But to also show that they are and can be successful people
- To show the positives of Aspergers and Autism
- and some of the struggles
From what it sounds like they would follow around people on the spectrum for a few weeks to document what it is like to live on the spectrum and the struggles we as people on the Autism Spectrum face.
I myself am a bit nervous about opening up my life for a few weeks, and how much it may irritate my support group and friends. I’m also a bit nervous that this may turn into a soap opera reality TV like Big Brother – as we know Drama Reality TV seems to sell, I do however remain optimistic – but cautious.
Let me make something clear – This is only in the conceptual stage. There not even sure if they are going to do this, but they said there looking to see what interest there is from people in the Autism community as well as I’m guessing big wigs from TV land. I thought I would seek comments from those on the Autism Community on how I should proceed and so the TV people can see what the Autism Community thinks.
What are your thoughts, concerns and if it happens what points would you want to be featured?
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{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
It sounds good in theory, however I am afraid that they’ll turn it into “oh, poor people. They no feelings” show. If they go out of their way to show that stereotypes about us (#1 being we are incapable of empathy, instead of the truth which is we sometimes have issues SHOWING SYMPATHY) THEN I think it might be good. But I think it would have to be in writing, because showbiz people go back on their word ALL the time.
I would really like them to show people from all parts of the spectrum too, in all kinds of situations. People anywhere from severe autistic to people with mild Asperger’s. People don’t believe me when they find out I was Dx with AS because in their mind we’re all like “Rain Man”.
Oh, that’s supposed to say “if they show that stereotypes…AREN’T TRUE”
Sorry.
Like I said on Twitter, I think this would be a good idea. I’d be willing to subject my life to filming. Like Genevieve said, sometimes people don’t see my AS despite my diagnosis. With my two kids, my oldest it’s obvious especially because his Speech delay. My youngest, not so much. He just seems like a hyper kiddo. Everything else “looks” spot on.
I think it will be easy to dramatize our lives. I think it’d be easy to show the negative parts. I’d hope though, in the contract it would specify these things not be overplayed.
I’m concerned about the dramatization as well.
I was contacted about being part of the show too although I haven’t talked to anyone yet. Not sure what I think yet. Frankly I think my life is too boring to film. I don’t do much outside of the house. Also in the email there seemed to be too much a focus on getting treatment; did she say that to you?
She seemed focused on that as well which concerned me a lot. While I am getting counseling its because of traumatic events in my life – not Aspergers.
Hi there,
Having been in a somewhat similar position (once asked to do a documentary about gay families), I think you have to ask yourself first and foremost if you’re comfortable being held up as a poster child for Aspergers. Because, despite what we try to tell the world about being individuals apart from our diagnosis, people who have no previous knowledge about AS will watch and equate it with your personal strengths/quirks. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, btw, but I’ve seen so many people protest later that “we weren’t trying to represent an entire communty!!”, so it’s something important to ask yourself: Are you OK with that?
My other thought is that you shouldn’t do it unless you trust these people. Some filmmakers have a clear agenda, and will employ the magic of editing to achieve a spin that you may or may not have intended. Questions to ask: What are these people trying to achieve by making a documentary about autism/AS? Are they looking for a specific type of Aspie, or just anyone on the spectrum? Do they respect your wishes about content; will they remove something if you ask? Be sure to thoroughly read any documents you sign!
Hope this helps somewhat. Good luck!
Hi Zach,
It sounds like you have been given a great opportunity to share your experiences and your life with a potentially large audience. The question and main concern (as mentioned by the previous commenters) is developing a solid trust with the journalists and media source who will be documenting you and making sure they will portray you in a positive light.
Having had some experience with the national media, I understand where you’re coming from with the concern with being portrayed accurately. A universal rule of journalism is that the subjects being portrayed in a written or televised piece do not see the final result until it is published and released to the general public. The subjects being interviewed rarely receive the opportunity to review and correct before it is released publicly. It’s a little unnerving, but don’t let that scare you. As long as you are ensured they are a credible and reliable media source to work with, then you will be okay.
In my case, I was very fortunate to work with reliable and considerate journalists, editors, and TV producers. Not everything I shared with them made the final cut, but the information that was released was satisfyingly accurate.
Here are a few tips:
- Normally (for film or television) interviewees are not presented with the questions until the interviewer sits down with them. However, exceptions can be made upon request. Individuals on the autism spectrum need more time to process questions in order to deliver effective answers. Explain this to the journalist(s) and producer(s) you will be working with you, and if they’re considerate, they may be able to send you the questions or topics of discussion prior to their visit.
- You also may want to connect with a PR rep or lawyer to insure your reputation and credibility will be protected. On the day of our interview with ABC News, our PR rep was present.
- For any written pieces (i.e. articles, etc.) you are featured in, the major national media sources have a research / fact-checking department who will go over with you pieces of what the journalist has written up. They will check with you on dates, ages, locations, etc.
I think it’s a wonderful opportunity. It’s a decision you don’t want to take lightly, and you definitely want to make sure you have that trust with the media source you’ll be working with. It’s okay if they show a balance of negative/positive, as long as it’s a fair balance.
Best of luck!
Bad idea. Do you really think that TV would ever recognize the fact that “You’ve met one Aspie, you’ve met one Aspie”? They’ll be looking for godawful stereotypes. It will hurt us. It’s TV!
Yes its TV. Just because its TV does not mean it will hurt us. There have been many times where Aspergers has been truthfully shown in the media including television.
Do you wish to clarify?
Come from a family of ASD, so this is more than disgusting: Shocking Patient Neglect of Autistic Person posted on YOu Tube under that title, “shocking patient neglect of autistic person.” LF autistics should NOT be treated so awful.
I love the idea of this – actually I would love to BE on one of these! It will be great!
I have filmed a video at our home giving you a glimpse of what it is like to live with autism everyday. I am pitching this right now to try & get a reality tv show. Please check out my video on youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGORQTu5J2c
I think the public is ready & needs to see what its like to live with autism. This is the only way to bring more attention to this lifelong disability that desperately needs more funding from the state to help find a cure now rather than later.
So what happened finally?