Alpha and Omega ? The Autistic Journalist

Photo by Justin Stephens, Syfy

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Speaking of value, Jean Winegardner of The Washington Times explores the usefulness of an autistic character on Syfy?s new series, Alphas. The series focuses on people whose neurological anomalies give them special powers while simultaneously dealing deficits and difficulties brought on by their differences. One of the five main characters, Gary Bell, is a high-functioning autistic adult who can read a wide range?of electromagnetic frequencies, including television, radio and cell phone signals.

Actor Ryan Cartwright, who portrays Bell, enjoys the complexity of the character that he believes extends beyond the autism diagnosis. Naturally, Gary makes little eye contact, his speech patterns are stilted and echolalic, he relies on rules learned by rote and carries a strict adherence to routines. All are common traits of autism spectrum disorder. However, the kicker is Gary?s sense of humor, giving him an extra personality to challenge mainstream notions that autistic people are humorless (an idea promoted in the days of Rain Man).

Much detail and care was included in the science portion of the science fiction show. Dr. Susan Bookheimer, a faculty member of UCLA?s neuroscience program, is a consultant for Alphas?who reviewed each script for the show?s inaugural season while offering on advice on aspects of Gary?s presentation and symptoms. Cartwright?s research included consulting with people who work with autistic individuals, reading books by autistic authors Temple Grandin and Daniel Tammet along with blog sites created by autistic people (I wonder if he came across this one :-p) and watching documentaries on the subject. Cartwright credits this research for helping him understand the reasoning behind the attributes and difficulties of autistic people to create and not imitate the physicality of Gary. Cartwright?s biggest goal? Playing the person and not the disorder

With the story part reporting and part editorial, Winegarden expresses approval for the show introducing a complex character with autism as opposed to stereotypical characters that permeated mainstream media in the early days of autism exposure. Bookheimer concurs, as the show seeks to examine themes of neurodiversity as the topic itself becomes more embroiled in public dissemination.

Science fiction itself has always opened doors to addressing ideas and topics among current events that could never be extrapolated by media set in the present because of raw, impulsive emotional responses from segments of the viewing audience. Star Trek?and its spin-offs before the 2009 reboot contained many allegories among its episodes and races, including Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country,?with a 23rd century version of Chernobyl and the end of the Soviet Union. Alphas?may not be as futuristic, but the science fiction elements of neurological conditions leading to superhuman powers does communicate to viewers that disabled people aren?t so simplistic in real life. Several examples of autism in mainstream media used to place autistic individuals as ?out there,? separated from the public domain. Recent portrayals, including a young boy with Asperger?s on the second version of NBC?s Parenthood?and now Alphas, approach the condition with a mission to deconstruct what the public erected years ago about the condition.

Credit must also be given for Winegardner?s approach to the story. There are few indications of the article presenting itself as a column until the end of the story, when Winegardner analyzes the character of Gary Bell and the effort from Cartwright and the show?s production staff. While I doubt anyone would be critical of a column praising a television show for avoiding stereotypes, columns and editorials can sometimes fall into traps created by the writers (or pundits on television shows), where the writer eschews fact and reasoning for an egotistical nature. Winegardner?s structure is very similar to what a straight-up reporter would write, and prefaces her sense of encouragement with a behind-the-scenes look for a rookie series seeking to establish itself in the Syfy lineup, using both the actor and a consultant whose expertise is the science of the brain as sources for her analysis.

While an opinion is more blatantly expressed, opinion articles sometimes employ the tactics of more neutral stories that make up the front page of newspapers, as such work can carry the same effect in both instances. Thanks to Winegardner?s interviewing, she doesn?t have to rely solely on her own word even in a news environment where someone?s word is sometimes given more credence than traditional reporting. A positive side effect is the illustration of commitment from?Alphas?to accurate portrayals within its neuroscience surroundings.

As with any art form, television isn?t immune to subjectivity from the viewing audience, critics and advertisers, but even if Alphas?joins the long list of ?one-and-done? programs, expect future shows that tackle neurodiversity to draw inspiration from the latest work of science fiction.

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Source: http://autisticjournalist.wordpress.com/2011/08/18/alpha-and-omega/

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