Days of Our Lives Deals with Autism
This month Days of Our Lives will place a spotlight on autism when it’s revealed that Salem police Commissioner Abe Caver (James Reynolds) and wife Dr. Lexie Carver (Renee Jones), will find out that their son has the illness. This storyline has a great amount of sentiment for head writer Dena Higley especially since she too had a son that was diagnosed with autism at the age of three, just like little Theo Carver. Days have paired with group Autism Speaks, the country’s foremost autism advocacy group in order to give an authentic and accurate depiction as well as relaying information of families dealing with the disorder.
"We're telling the profound and life-altering story of a child with autism from his parents' point of view," said head writer Higley. "Their pain, their struggle -- and ultimately, their ability to find life-affirming hope in the midst of learning how to live day to day with this disability. This is a personal story for me...as my husband and I have walked in the shoes Abe and Lexie are now about to walk in."
Background on Autism
Autism is a brain disorder that hampers a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and i a person afflicted by it has extreme behavioral challenges. Autism is diagnosed in one in 150 children in the United States, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The diagnosis of autism has increased tenfold in the last decade. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis. There is no cure for autism.
"This storyline realistically portrays the emotional trauma that every family faces when a child is diagnosed with autism, yet it also opens a window for viewers to see the hope and achievements that are possible as a family pulls together," said Alison Singer, Executive Vice President of Communications and Awareness for Autism Speaks. "We are honored to work with 'Days of our Lives' and applaud the show's commitment to shine a bright spotlight on the autism crisis and its effects on the whole family."
With all the crazy storylines that has been on DAYS since its inception I have to commend them with taking the time to build up a fantastic storyline in order to bring awareness to this growing crisis.
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Ok I'm going to be totally poloticially incorrect in this comment so be warned.
First off this storyline kinda came out of the blue and is first off confusing because Theo was born in May 2003 which means he should be atleast 5 years old, but I saw it comming when we saw a younger Theo than we saw before playing by himself withdrawn with blocks. We have seen Theo before and he was older and a happy talkative child. I understand Day's needs to give the Carvers a story a story and a socially relavent one, but I kinda wish they hadn't done this to Theo. Depending on how serve the autism they give him they totally destoryed future possible storylines for what some day could have been a great character (not that he couldn't be a great character but. . .). They should have aged him and brought him closer to the DiMeras.
That being said I think autism awareness is important.
In regards to Theo's age maybe it was a typo. Who knows but this's the same show that has Chelsea older than Will and the same age as Stef.
Oooh this is JUST the story that's going to make me tune into Days...NOT! Lexie and Abe shouldn't even be a couple either.
As a sister to two younger brothers who have autism, I'm looking forward to how they portray the emotional ramifications this disorder can have on a family, especially the parents of the autistic child.
I'm not expecting much because it's just a soap, and obviously there are going to be major flaws but it's nice that autism is getting attention. Many people are just ignoring it because of its hopelessness. But with autism being more frequently diagnosed, I'm grateful that people are finding it a more worthy disorder to give attention.
Jeopardy-
You should know that in many cases Autism affects children later in their life. Meaning they may be progressing at a "normal" pace for a child and then suddenly stop or actually receed in their development. For example, a child may be toilet trained and then revert back, or have a rich vocabulary and revert back to limited communications. In addition, simply because a character on a soap has autism does not mean that they can not have a rich and meaningful life. Hopefully this storyline will demonstrate that to others who are watching. Depending on the severity of the autism and the early intervention the child receives, children can overcome many obstacles autism gives them. Many adults today live with autism and are having prosperous lives. I am not a DOOL viewer, but will begin watching. This is a personal issue to my heart since I also have a child with autism and through him and my line of work am priviledged to work with these children daily. I hope that this story line showcases not only a parent's struggle, but opens other people's eyes to these children.
I am VERY excited about this storyline. I hope that it plays out true to how the disorder affects these children and the treatments that truly help them. I am a Lead Instructional Therapist in Canada and I use the principals of ABA-VB in my teachings of children with autism. I am amazed everyday how the right treatment (ABA or otherwise) can help these children reach their true potential and allow the world to see who these wonderful little people truly are. I hope the story doesn't disappoint and I hope it reaches out to the many families that this disorder effects daily. Kudos to Days for telling a story that matters to so many.
I am also happy that the Carvers are getting a good story. Although, I would have preferred if it were a Abe/Lexie/Daniel story. Daniel & Lexie are so hot together! He's too old for Chelsea and she's too young for Abe.
***///Living In The World Of Soaps Since 1985\\\***
Best,
For many years, I've felt the same way about Lexie and Abe. I am completely for May-December or June-October romances. But as beloved as James Reynolds is by many and as popular as Renee Jones is among fans, every time I see them together I get the feeling that she should be playing his daughter and not his wife.
But that's subjectivity for ya. LOL
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THE EDGE OF NIGHT: 2008 - Hi-Octane Version
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oA5DbWdX8IA
It's funny you should say that because Renee Jones is 50 and James Reynolds is only 62.
Problem is she looks 35 and he looks 69, comparatively speaking of course.
Good black don't crack. But apparently only half the time.
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THE EDGE OF NIGHT: 2008 - Hi-Octane Version
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oA5DbWdX8IA
He does NOT look 69 or even 59 for that matter!
It was a joke. Let's not let literalism in the face of obvious exaggeration and tomfoolery get the better of us.
(But, compared to his onscreen wife, he does look like he's two days shy of his third AARP membership renewal....)..I'm just sayin'....
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THE EDGE OF NIGHT: 2008 - Hi-Octane Version
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oA5DbWdX8IA
James Reynolds does look older than he is. He always has. Renee does look all of 35, so it's still creepy. I would love for her to be with Daniel. It would be so hot. Abe can get it on with Nurse Maxine.
***///Living In The World Of Soaps Since 1985\\\***
I was wondering when a daytime progam would take this issue on. Good for Days! Daytime TVs market obviously includes moms and whats more important to a mom than their children and autism is such a huge issue for parents these days.
Really, in a happy world, neither Abe nor Lexie would be on anymore. I'd prefer to see Wendy and Jonah return. They'd fit into the Sami/Lucas/Nicole/EJ crowd.