#51
Posted: 2/9/12 at 6:15pm
Thank you, jay. At this point, I've received several reasonable and interesting responses to my query.
If I understand you correctly, children with autism and their families form a communal bond by attending performances with other people dealing with similar issues. (Don't everyone start: I am NOT saying all people with autism are the same.) That makes sense to me. (If I'm not paraphrasing you correctly, you can just tell me. I'm not distorting your point on purpose.)
To be clear, I never questioned why people with autism might enjoy the theater. I assume many or most will enjoy it for the same reasons anyone does. I was only asking about those who find the experience too difficult to endure.
In those latter cases, parents must struggle between wanting to share social activities with their children and not wanting to cause the person with autism discomfort, no? I'm sure this is a very difficult decision and I am by no means second-guessing any particular parent's choice.
I was simply asking if the issue weren't more complicated than rejoicing that EVERYONE with autism can go to the theater (though of course we should rejoice for those who benefit).
AEA has pointed out that caretakers don't always know how a person with autism will react until they try. I can understand why they would prefer to try at a performance where the cast and audience are presumably understanding of the issues involved. If that is the primary purpose of "quiet rooms", then I get it.
It has also been suggested that some people with autism might enjoy parts of a show, but need breaks along the way. I find this harder to understand, but I have readily admitted my lack of experience. SNAFU has pointed out some children with autism simply aren't suited for the theater and are better engaged in other activities.
But if a child with autism (or anyone else) wants to watch part of Act I, then spend time in a quiet room before returning for the finale, I have no objection. Lord knows I've done the same in at least one German film.
If I understand you correctly, children with autism and their families form a communal bond by attending performances with other people dealing with similar issues. (Don't everyone start: I am NOT saying all people with autism are the same.) That makes sense to me. (If I'm not paraphrasing you correctly, you can just tell me. I'm not distorting your point on purpose.)
To be clear, I never questioned why people with autism might enjoy the theater. I assume many or most will enjoy it for the same reasons anyone does. I was only asking about those who find the experience too difficult to endure.
In those latter cases, parents must struggle between wanting to share social activities with their children and not wanting to cause the person with autism discomfort, no? I'm sure this is a very difficult decision and I am by no means second-guessing any particular parent's choice.
I was simply asking if the issue weren't more complicated than rejoicing that EVERYONE with autism can go to the theater (though of course we should rejoice for those who benefit).
AEA has pointed out that caretakers don't always know how a person with autism will react until they try. I can understand why they would prefer to try at a performance where the cast and audience are presumably understanding of the issues involved. If that is the primary purpose of "quiet rooms", then I get it.
It has also been suggested that some people with autism might enjoy parts of a show, but need breaks along the way. I find this harder to understand, but I have readily admitted my lack of experience. SNAFU has pointed out some children with autism simply aren't suited for the theater and are better engaged in other activities.
But if a child with autism (or anyone else) wants to watch part of Act I, then spend time in a quiet room before returning for the finale, I have no objection. Lord knows I've done the same in at least one German film.
