I’m not sure how the sassy and cynical crew of doctors on Grey’s Anatomy will take to a colleague with Aspergers syndrome. Guess we will find out soon though, as Mary McDonnell will guest on the ABC medical drama on November 13 and for at least three more episodes as a cardiac surgeon with the autism spectrum disorder.
It’s so exciting to see more and more media coverage of Autism and other related disorders as an acknowledged problem in the world. (The Presidential debates helped as well.) It’s about time people are made aware that it really is a huge issue. Hopefully this will spur the government on to more research on the causes and possible cures of the disorder. Parents sorely need the help and everyone needs to be educated on the behavior characteristics of autism.
Entertainment Weekly’s Michael Ausiello quotes executive producer Betsy Beers as saying show creator Shonda Rhimes “thought it would be interesting to have an incredibly skilled surgeon who, socially, is initially misunderstood.” Grey’s seems to flourish with misunderstandings, so it might fit in well. McDonnell’s a very interesting actress, and it will be interesting to see what she does with the part.
I can only hope she is able to use the part to help others with Aspergers and the whole autism spectrum disorder. The media has a huge power over the public and this could be a huge break through for the Aspergers community.
Ausiello interviewed McDonnell about being on the show, and she described her initial reaction to the character: “In her first surgery she works primarily with Bailey and Karev, who are both sort of caught off guard by her difficulty in communication. They don’t really know until the end of the episode that she has Asperger’s. It’s challenging for them. On the one hand, you’re introducing a dramatic and comedic dynamic that people have to react to. On the other hand, you’re bringing on a very dignified real human being with a disability that can be very problematic for everyone.”
What do you think about the possibilities here? Will Grey’s and McDonnell be able to make this an educational and caring depiction of a person with Asperger syndrome, or will it just be more nighttime TV BS? Will this be good for our Asperger sufferers or will it just be make believe stories on TV. Please leave your comments.
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Posted on November 13th, 2008 by carol
Filed under: Asperger
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