Dr Phil show about Asperger's, 17th Jan 2006

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Because he didn't bother to really learn what it was?

Yeah. I wonder how much good/harm stuff like this does.

On the one hand, big public things like this are just to misinform/stereotype. Bad.

But they're so big that: 1) word that it *exists* gets out 2) some of those people might actually get interested and then get a clue

My main effort with AS is to confront myths/misunderstandings in an accessible way, and I've been thinking a lot about how (other than talks I give/panel discussions and this site) to accomplish that.

Some helpful background information on our friend:
http://uncyclopedia.org/wiki/Dr._Phil

Suggestion: We write a letter to Oprah explaining the disservice of Dr. Phil's misinformation and ask her to invite a group of aspies to come on the show and just explain it - no drama.

I haven't read this entire thread so forgive me if i echo some-one elses sentiment.

when they went away to commercial break, and the cliff hanger was, "the dad has something he want's to reveal." i thought for sure that he was going to reveal that he is a high functioning Autistic person himself.

did anybody else notice how the mother was practically staring down phil, and the father was averting with his eyes.

On a personal note:
i realize that the most interesting story is the one which involves conflict. The Dr. Phil Show was just doing their job; make money.
I have come to realize that if you want to relay a personal message to someone, you should never allow someone else to do it for you.

I agree with Alyssa.
We can whine about the injustice all we like, but how could that possibly do us any good.

Alyssa, suggested that we take this over Dr. Phils head, and i agree. And you never know, we may have the opportunity to have a voice. From what i read in the tabloids, Oprah is not very happy with Phil. This would be a win win proposition. AS people get to speak their side, and oprah gets to discredit phil.

Yes. I may do so. But to expedite delivery, maybe I'll just tie it to a brick and throw it through her window. hehe

Actually, that's not a bad idea, but I really can't be going off like this unless I've seen the actual segment itself.

Maybe when this sorta thing happens, we could get a bunch of people from the site to sign a letter at the bottom and send it off.

Anybody feel like taking a shot at writing a letter to Oprah that we can all sign? Any of you writers?? Or how about one of the NT parents???
(Is that what you mean, Dan?)

Yeah, that's what I meant, if you guys who have seen it are interested. I'd likely be outraged too if I saw it for real, but I can't rightfully express any reaction to that which I haven't seen .

That's a good idea!

I don't know who "Dr. Phil" is (did Phil Donahue become a doctor?) but did anyone record the show? Post the video? Something like that?

I would like to watch it.

I'd write one but I'd have to see the show first. Is there an online version somewhere? Torrent? I'm not paying to see it...

Okay, here's a letter to Oprah - what do you guys think? (Especially Dan and Alex)

www.wrongplanet.net

January 21, 2006

(via email)
Ms. Oprah Winfrey

Wrongplanet is an online resource and community for people with Asperger’s Syndrome. Asperger’s Syndrome is a neurological condition that is a form of autism. People with Asperger's Syndrome (aka AS) usually have normal or high IQ's. Among its other features, it often manifests as an inability to understand how to interact socially. Wrongplanet currently has a membership of over 3,500 members, most of whom have AS, some of whom are parents of kids who have been diagnosed with AS.

AS is a relatively new diagnosis, and as such, more and more children and adults are being diagnosed with it all the time. Until recently most psychiatrists didn’t even know it existed, and there is a lack of understanding both in the professional community as well as in the public’s perception.

Dr. Phil recently aired a program in which he labeled AS as an “extreme disorder” which it is not, as well as calling it a disease, which again, it is not. We at Wrongplanet are concerned that the public have a better understanding of what AS is, and we would feel honored if you would allow some of us to come on your show to explain to your viewers what AS looks like.

Sincerely,
(all interested members sign here – I recommend first names, and I think Alex and Dan should sign and put their titles, then this can be emailed to Ms. Oprah via this link: http://www.oprah.com/email/reach/email_ ... romu.jhtml)

what time
2 1/2 hours.

i will not make a judgement just yet, but i will hint at one.

This is a site for sociaizing. that is why people are here. Most people here don't wan't to be understood, nor do they want to elicit change.
They would rather just b***h about it. and remain status quo.

I think its a great idea and i would sign my name on it.
Keep getting pissed off at the injustices. if you don't act, then no-one will.l

Try this??

www.wrongplanet.net

January 21, 2006

(via email)
Ms. Oprah Winfrey

Dr. Phil recently aired a program in which he labeled Asperger's Syndrome (a form of Autism) as an “extreme disorder”. It is not, it is a neurological disability. People with Asperger's Syndrome (aka AS) usually have normal or high IQ's. Among its other features, it often manifests as an inability to understand how to interact socially.

Wrongplanet is a large online resource and community for people with Asperger’s Syndrome. Wrongplanet members (3400+) are concerned that the public have a better understanding of what AS is. It is a relatively new diagnosis, and there is a lack of understanding both in the professional community as well as in the public’s perception. We believe you may be able to do this- we would be honored if you would consider this topic.

Sincerely,
(all interested members sign here – I recommend first names, and I think Alex and Dan should sign and put their titles, then this can be emailed to Ms. Oprah via this link: http://www.oprah.com/email/reach/email_reach_fromu.jhml)[/quote]

Maybe you could include something about the advantages of being AS, since most stuff out there focuses on the negative.