Important topic with a lot of potential
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“The journalist is obviously well intentioned here but at the same time after finishing this series I feel disappointed. She talked to autistic people, which is good, but she only talked to the most visible figures in the community who are successful and live a life no where near Arnaldo's. The part where she tries to get Arnaldo's consent is the most telling about the different world many self advocates live in compared to those far more impaired.
I myself am a high functioning autistic. That being said, I have no idea what the best for Arnaldo is and what he wants other than watching Youtube uninterrupted, nor do I claim to speak for him. The autistic advocates consulted have very specific, political motives that do not represent the welfare of all autistics. I can hear the impact they had on how this story was reported--how censored and watered down the "bad" parts of Arnaldo's behavior are. Lydia Brown is part of a political movement that opposes a cure for autism. Their view is currently the most politically correct view. I follow her and others on twitter but rarely engage because I know I will be immediately shot down and accused of internal ableism. It's sad that even in my "community" I continue to be talked over, bullied, and ignored. I understand the merits of their views for them but as the dominant group they do not try to understand those who do not agree.
In order for the neurodiversity movement to promote the idea that autism isn't a bad thing and that if society just changed and accepted autistics then all of our problems would go away, they need to downplay the seriousness of many autistic's challenging behavior. I don't know why Arnaldo is aggressive, but you cannot say he should have autonomy of his life while also not holding him accountable for violence against other people. Psychology is young and research is needed but it sounds as if Arnaldo simply cannot control himself during meltdowns which is something I understand.
The narrative here both infantilizes Arnaldo while trying to argue about how he should have control. It is inconsistent and I think we need to accept that there isn't a good answer currently. No matter how much more help he is given, and how many more hundreds of thousands are spent on his care he will never live the life society thinks a person should, and who are we to impose that on him? He derives the most pleasure from his Youtube videos and I think that if anything, he deserves an iPad and internet access.
I wish the science and research would've been addressed here. There isn't much in terms of good science and real findings, I know, but still it would have made the story more complete. There is something called compassion fatigue where well meaning people hit a level of burn out where they may begin to do horrible things. It sounds like the Carlton Palms problem is more systemic and I am glad it is being shut down, but it is important that we understand better the issues surrounding behavior techs and those caring for Arnaldo. Shuffling him to different living arrangements and hoping is not the solution best for Arnaldo. If he's anything like me, moving is one of the most stressful things!
I absolutely condemn any violence toward anyone, but at the same time I think we should try to understand the obstables techs face when placed in these situations with basically no training and little support. They are people with needs and complex, sometimes irrational brains too. It is a complicated issue but I feel like this podcast's conclusion that Arnaldo has been failed and should be given more help far too simplistic for what is an extremely complex, difficult issue. I don't disagree with it but I wish this journalist could've used her platform to highlight nuances instead of a simple good, bad, good narrative.”Read full review »
Mari loves pancakes via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/14/18
More reviews of Aftereffect
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“Wonderful telling of the story and a deep dive into the intricacies of caring for adults with developmental disabilities.”
stinkermama via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/25/18
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“This show is riveting. It starts out sounding like true crime, but then you discover a whole new world. Makes me crazy that our society can’t figure out how to best support people with autism.”
Jim @wnyc via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
06/22/18
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“What a beautiful, thoughtful, loving and insightful view into a world none of us want to know. Thank you so very much for edifying us, I look forward to your next journalistic adventure.”
EeeBitch13 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/05/18
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