Autism in Brazil Part II
Published April 22, 2009 @ 04:00PM PT
[Ed. this is part of the International Perspectives series.]
If families dealing with autism have had such and uphill battle in the richest countries in the world, one can only imagine what it's like in a country where the government already has its hands full trying to reduce extreme poverty and improve the dilapidated public schools and public health system in which the population relies heavily. The only way for autistic Brazilians to become a priority will be by increased awareness and pressure from public opinion, and maybe it could be achieved if one of the main pastimes in the country--the 9 p.m. daily drama episode show at Globo TV--brings a new character with autism. It may be very possible, since the "novelas" typically showcase social issues and very recently they had characters and actors with Down Syndrome talking about inclusion--one of them was young actress Joana Mocarzel, who was such a hit that now you can buy a doll with her features.
While we haven't had a major autistic character in a "novella", AMA-Sao Paulo had favorite children's author Mauricio de Souza produce animated videos and comic books with a cute autistic character, Andre.
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Comments (1)
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Author
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Leila Couceiro, Brazilian expat living in Sacramento, CA. Worked as a journalist when she lived in Rio de Janeiro.
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@Leila Couceiro, the "novelas" typically showcase social issues and very recently they had characters and actors with Down Syndrome talking about inclusion.
I think you are right about the novelas, Leila.
In the U.S. Chris Burke (born August 26, 1965, in Point Lookout, New York) is an American actor with Down syndrome, best known for his character Charles "Corky" Thatcher on the television series Life Goes On 1989-1993. I use to watch that show.
The response of the public (reported in newspapers) at this time was how amazing he was. Burke has Down Syndrome, and his parents were told to institutionalize him when he was born, but they decided to raise him at home and nurture his talents.
He was encouraged to follow his career objectives no matter how untraditional they seemed for a young man with Down syndrome. His siblings also worked with him. Many people were surprised at how bright Burke was when he entered formal schooling.
My brother is mentally retarded. I really felt that this TV show help the public see how much in common the mentally retarded had with everyone else. I saw a big change in people's attitudes that has lasted.
I think visibility helps people to accept others. I think you have a powerful idea, Leila, that could change things. You see an opportunity.
A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
Winston Churchill.
Posted by L I on 04/23/2009 @ 11:56AM PT
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