Prime time TV Show has character with autism

In a TV show named "Parenthood" of NBC, the son of main characters Adam and Kristina Braverman, has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (Asperger's syndrome). This is not a usual case, as directors avoid such a sensitive topic. The last prime-time character who had Asperger's was Jerry Espenson on ABC's "Boston Legal." That character ended the show two years ago. "Grey's Anatomy" had a short-term character who was on for three episodes. People who have been affected by the disorder has given it good reviews, one saying, "Overall I think it's been really true to the behavior our Aspie kids display -- which is often confused for being naughty or a lack of discipline. Thanks for doing your homework NBC!" Executive Producer Jason Katims says it didn't clearly seem such a good idea in the beginning. He is personally affected by it as his son has the disorder as well. The show works with experts to make it as real as possible. Some people are not satisfied, however, as the show may not have gone deeply enough into the effects of an autism diagnosis to the family.

It is great that this TV show is accurately representing autism through one of the children. It will do great for awareness for autism as well as making people realize what they were mistaken about autistic kids. It is good that television is creating an awareness for this disorder. I was only worried that they would not be accurate and it might just make the viewers have misconceptions of the disorder, but I am glad that they have been clearly appropriate with how people behave around the child or how the child behaves. I think if they continue to be careful in being realistic and truthful about autism, the idea will be a success in creating awareness as well as for the show as well.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/TV/05/26/autism.in.prime.time/index.html