Great video. I hope we can see it progress into something longer.
I feel like I identify a lot with what you said in regards to it being taxing to be in social situations. Someone else (Canadian French-speaker) had said he felt a lot of his creativity in spending so much time and energy learning to "be normal". I agree with both of you.
I really resent it when people (generally the parents of an autistic child, but sometimes social workers, etc.) say, "But you can't be on the spectrum...you're funny, and you communicate your ideas well, and you don't do weird stuff with your body!" These people don't understand that we have learned to act in an acceptable way, and that it takes a lot of effort to do so. Those of us in our late 20s, early 30s and beyond...I think a lot of us seem completely normal to those who interact with us fleetingly. People forget that even though we're no longer "weird shy little geniuses", our brains are still fundamentally the same, and we still have the same issues but have learned how to deal effectively with them.
If your documentary is to progress into something feature-length in the future, perhaps consider seeking an interview with some of the members of WP with advanced degrees-- "everyday people" to supplement the Temple Grandins of the world. It will help to portray that success isn't necessarily the exception to the rule when it comes to people on the spectrum.
14 Jan 2010, 2:07 pm
