Friday, April 26, 2024

Does The Actor On The Good Doctor Have Autism

Don't Miss

Criticism Moves The Needle Only Slightly

Actor Freddie Highmore Dishes on What It’s Like to Play an Autistic Character

The most positive thing I could say about Atypical as autistic representation is the most damning thing I can say about its entertainment value: Sam wasnt treated that much differently from any of the other characters. Usually autistic characters are the only ones who are handled from external and distanced perspectives and come across as not-quite-human, but everyone was a little hollow here. Their big moments often felt forced. They all moved from plot point to plot point and from pathos to comedy with few punches or punchlines landing.

I was similarly not surprised but disappointed by the response that Atypical received. Most of the professional reviews I read praised the show in ways which belied how underqualified the critics were to address autistic stories. At least one outlet actively recruited autistic sourcesincluding mefor an Atypical-pegged article on representation. But at least one other major outlet hired a non-autistic parent of an autistic child to write about what the show did and didnt get right about autism. I had a lot of non-autistic people tell me that they loved the show. I even had a few try to explain to me why I was wrong, saying that the series had expanded their understanding of autistic people, when I tried to explain why many of us were not fans.

Read Also: Freddie Highmore Really Autistic

The Good Doctor Actor Is He Really Autistic

The Good Doctor Actor Is He Really Autistic. Is actor freddie highmore autistic in real life? I would say that he does a very good dramatic representation.

In the new york post, he said he knows someone with autism but he also did research and watched. It follows the life of shaun murphy , a young surgeon who lives with autism and savant. 17 2020, updated 4:50 p.m. That said, freddie did a lot of research and worked with an autistic consultant to help with his tv series role. He is special and brilliantbut his challenges are extraordinary.

The Good Doctor: One Autistics Review

Maxfield Sparrow

Freddie Highmore as The Good Doctor | photo via IMDB[image: Young white man with short dark hair and dark eyes,wearing a surgeons cap, with a surgical mask around his neck.
  • An accurate representation of what autism can look like
  • An accurate representation of how the world treats Autistic people
  • Some effort to move the public understanding of autism and Autists to a new level

The point of the label was to highlight the juxtaposition of extreme incompetence and extreme competence. Not only were the term and the ideas behind it offensive and ableist, it was a way of stating what society finds valuable or worthless about a person. The brilliant musicianship, for example, was valuable because people liked to hear the music and would pay money to listen. The idiot nature of the rest of the persons life was considered worthless.

inside

You May Like: Does Nick Eh 30 Have Autism

You May Like: Symptoms Of Level 2 Autism

Coby Bird Actor With Autism Paving The Way For Actors With Disabilities

For the past four years, Bird has trained with Los Angeles theater company The Miracle Project, an award-winning theater program for children and teens on the autism spectrum.

Kudos to the show for hiring a person with autism to portray a person with autism, said Elaine Hall, executive director of The Miracle Project.

Just five percent of characters with disabilities in primetime television are portrayed by actors with disabilities the rest are played by an actor pretending to have a disability.

There is an enormous untapped potential of individuals with disabilities who are talented actors to play their own roles as people with disabilities, Hall said. We hope that showrunners will continue to collaborate and develop this talent pool through these opportunities.

Last year, Bird also guest starred on an episode of Speechless as a character with autism.

Bird is represented by Gail Ford Williamson of the Kazarian/Measures/Ruskin Diversity Department. Williamson represents more than 300 performers with disabilities.

Coby is a wonderful young actor on the spectrum who has won the hearts of casting directors and producers, Williamson said. He often auditions for roles that casting is looking for adults to play, but once they see Cobys skills, they have no problem hiring a minor and accepting the extra expense and limited work day.

Dont Miss: What Kind Of Autism Does Symmetra Have

We Are Close To Having A Complicated Character We Are In The Apology/role Model Phase But We Arent There Yet

Is Freddie Highmore from âThe Good Doctorâ? Really Autistic?

Its the role model thing, right? said Michael McCreary. We are placing a character with cultural baggage based on a diagnosis in a well-intentioned way. We are on the cusp of something potentially good. Michael liked how the character of Dr. Murphy was played as a flawed human, rather than as a stereotyped precious child. He added, I feel we are close on the autism front. We are close to being characters who are screw-ups up for any human reason, not DSM-5 reasons. We are close to having a complicated character we are in the apology/role model phase, but we arent there yet.

I think, said Nicole, the message is that autistic people are versatile that they are empathetic, complex.” Although, she says, there are not a lot of PhDs or savants, The Good Doctor remains a positive depiction of an autistic person who does meaningful work, lives on their own and has a committed relationship. It doesnt infantilize autism as other media have.

Matthew agrees with Michael McCreary and Nicole. Overall, this is more positive depiction. I am happy we have it. I agree with Mike that we are on the cusp of where we need to go.

Its a start. Theres a long way to go, said Anthony. COVID isnt making this easy, but I am very hopeful. Maybe we just need to advertise ourselves for consult in the industry.

Don’t Miss: Low Functioning Autism Vs High Functioning Autism

Abc Show ‘the Good Doctor’ Tells The Story Of A Doctor On The Autism Spectrum

ABCs new show, The Good Doctor, set to premiere this fall, tells the story of Shaun Murphy, a young doctor on the autism spectrum, who has savant syndrome.

The show is based on a South Korean show of the same name and is described on IMDB as:

A young surgeon with Savant syndrome is recruited into the pediatric surgical unit of a prestigious hospital. The question will arise: can a person who doesnt have the ability to relate to people actually save their lives?

Freddie Highmore plays Murphy, the shows lead character. So far it does not appear as though any of the cast members are on the autism spectrum.

Speaking on a panel, the shows executive producer, David Shore explained the steps the show took to portray autism. We saw a lot of doctors, we consulted with people, weve got people on the spectrum who were working with, Shore said, according to Deadline. But he is a specific character, hes not there to represent autism, hes there to represent Dr. Shaun Murphy.

Initial reactions to the show, so far, are mixed. While some people are thrilled that autism is getting more recognition, others say the show promotes dangerous stereotypes about people on the spectrum.

i hope the good doctor really talks about autism because i have autism and i really feel good about freddie playing an autistic person

My Review Of ‘the Good Doctor’ As An Adult With Autism

This blog is by Kerry Magro, an award-winning international motivational speaker and best-selling author whos on the autism spectrum. A version of this blog originally appeared on Kerrymagro.com.

Full disclosure: After only watching one episode, I have no idea what the future is for The Good Doctor . What I can tell you: this show has all the makings of an ABC smash hit.

Lets begin with the cast. Freddie Highmore stars as Dr. Shaun Murphy, an up-and-coming surgeon who also happens to have autism and savant syndrome. This is a very difficult role for anyone to play given how broad the autism spectrum truly is. Some criticism has occurred as many TV productions and films try to address autism issues. There is no one size fits all in attempting to define characters on the spectrum. This list in recent years includes characters such as Walter Hill in Joyful Noise, Billy in the new Power Rangers Movie, Jane in Jane Wants a Boyfriend, and most recently in Sam Gardener, a high-functioning teen with autism in Netflixs Atypical.

As for the script there are several plot lines that will intrigue audiences and the direction couldnt be crisper from Seth Gordon along with the writing done by David Shore .

This show has staying power and I can only hope the creators of the show along with Sony and ABC will continue to include voices of those on the spectrum as the show continues.

Recommended Reading: Is Stuttering A Sign Of Autism

Why Did Dr House End

Cuddy left the show following the events of House MD season 7s finale, which involved a brutal breakup with House. Most of the actors contracts ended with House MD season 7, and the network wanted to cut down on costs by bringing them back with pay cuts. Lisa Edelstein refused and decided to leave the show instead.

All About The Good Doctor Season 5

The Good Doctor – Shaun and the Autistic Community

The upcoming season of The Good Doctor will feature Shaun and Lea’s marriage. The two were engaged at the end of season 4. While the doctors are in a festive mood planning the marriage, an interesting medical case will also be the focus point of this season. Will Shaun be able to help the patient this time? Lets wait and watch.

You May Like: Autism Level 2 Prognosis

On Doing Research For The Role:

Before playing Shaun, Freddie said he was“aware” of autism because he knows people in his personal life with the condition. But in order to properly portray a person with autism himself, Freddie and The Good Doctor showrunner David Shore did a ton of research before even filming their first episode. They also hired autism consultant Melissa Reiner to help them get the character just right.

“David Shore, our wonderful main writer and showrunner, and I sat down before the pilot and also between the pilot and making the show with the consultant that we still have on-board,” Freddie said on ABC podcast Popcorn With Peter Travers. “And also just traded back and forth books and pieces of literature and documentaries that we thought were useful or gave us some sort of insight into building this one, very particular character.”

Freddie’s research hasn’t stopped since, even now that he’s three seasons into playing his character: “I’m constantly learning,” he told Digital Spy in March 2019. “Aside from continual research, or working with the consultant that we have, I’m also talking to people who feel that they have a personal connection to the show through autism, and are pleased or thankful that the show is seeking to raise awareness in that way.”

Paige Spara As Lea Dilallo

Paige Spara plays the role of Lea Dilallo, Dr Shaun Murphys love interest. When she decides to leave California to chase her dreams, she returns later and the pair decide to just be friends and roommates before becoming a couple in The Good Doctors later seasons.

The actress is best known for her work as Audrey Piatigorsky in the sitcom Kevin from Work and has also had a small role alongside Reese Witherspoon in Home Again. Spara also took her acting skills to the musical world, appearing in Lauvs music video I Like Me Better.

You May Like: What Is The Life Expectancy Of People With Autism

Read Also: Is Dr Shaun Murphy Really Autistic

Fiona Gubelmann As Dr Morgan Reznick

Taking on The Good Doctor’s role of Dr Morgan Reznick, Gubelmann’s character is a competitive and self-centred surgical resident.

Prior to joining the main cast of the medical drama, Gubelmann actually once considered pursuing a career in the medical field prior to discovering acting. Since then she’s appeared in several notable television and film projects, including Wilfred, Tulips in Spring, Christmas Next Door, Royally Ever After, and Easter Under Wraps.

Do Lea And Shaun Have Babies

good doctor review too sentimental portrait of doctor

Lea was ultimately diagnosed with Type II Vasa Previa, and required surgery to prevent a potential rupture that would kill the baby. The baby couldnt be saved. Claire broke the heart-wrenching news to Shaun, who then went to deliver the news to Lea. He said nothing, but he didnt have to.

References : 15 interviews and posts 7 Videos.

Discover all about your fav. celebs at Celebrity Interviews and dont forget to share this post !

Recommended Reading: Best Dogs For Autistic Child

The Good Doctor: Claire Tells Neil That She ‘loves Him’

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

The premises of The Good Doctor is about Dr Shaun Murphy , who is undoubtedly a talented doctor but has autism and Savant Syndrome. Initially, those at San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital aren’t sure whether or not to hire Shaun due to his condition but it wasn’t too long before they could see how much of an asset he would be to the team. The ABC medical drama is now in its third series and has been renewed for a fourth.

Is Freddie Highmore Really Autistic

Freddie Highmore revealed how he searched for a realistic approach to understanding Shaun. I think it was important, in building out Sean as a character, to focus on his very real struggle in having autism and being thrown into this new environment and bringing out his hopeful sidewhat makes him laugh, tick, etc. But the buck does not stop here, and Highmore looked for more research on autism, to make his portrayal more authentic. He knew somebody who had autism and wanted to do justice to his depiction.

Shaun Murphy has had a difficult childhood with an abusive father and bullies. He was protected by his brother but, as a teenager, witnessed his brother die in a freak accident. As the show builds, we can see a different perspective of how Shaun thinks or behaves in a particular situation and because of Highmores dedication and versatile acting skills, there is a lot more than can come out of the story. So, if you were asking yourself if Freddie Highmore has autism, it only means that he played the character so well!

Watch The Good Doctor Monday nights at 10:00 p.m EST only on ABC.

Recommended Reading: Stuttering And Autism

Portrayal Of Autism On The Good Doctor

The Good Doctor has the opportunity to showcase multiple with autism at different places on the spectrum to show the true diversity. One such possibility would be showing the hospital becoming a Project SEARCH site, which also would be a great way to hire actual actors with autism.

Project SEARCH is a one-year, school-to-work program that takes place entirely at the workplace. This innovative, business-led model features total workplace immersion, which facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration and work site-based training and support. Unlike other many other transition programs, Project SEARCH boasts a 70 percent success employment rate following the program.

I am confident that The Good Doctor will continue do much more than merely entertain although it is highly entertaining, Hall said. I believe it could change the way the world perceives disability.

Indeed, there are successful surgeons with autism and other disabilities in the real world and ABC has highlighted this in a 20/20 presentation, including Dr. Tyler Sexton, a pediatrician with cerebral palsy. ABC used the short segment on Sexton, and profiles on other doctors with disabilities, as companion pieces to the show.

It also is important to note that several of the visual effects artists hired for the show are on the autism spectrum.

The series airs on Mondays at 10:00 p.m. ET on ABC.

Read Also: Overwatch Symmetra Autistic

Did Claire Leave Dool

Freddie Highmore (The Good Doctor’) on autistic surgeon with wonderful heart, hopeful outlook

Days of our Lives Claire Brady will soon be exiting Salem, bringing portrayer Isabel Durants time as Shawn and Belles daughter to an end. According to official show teasers, Claire will be presented with an exciting opportunity on Thursday, August 19, and the character will leave Salem on Friday, August 20.

Read Also: Autistic Phenotype

What Happened In Season 4 Of The Good Doctor

Season 4 began with the hospital being hit by a cyberattack that threatens to shut down life-saving machines. Lea rises to the challenge by looking to outsmart the hackers. Meanwhile, the team treats an inspirational cancer survivor-turned-successful philanthropist who harbors a dark secret, in the premiere episode directed by Highmore.

Former rivals, Dr. Morgan Reznick and Dr. Alex Park began to bond in season 4, especially after they become roommates when he decides his marriage is finally over. While originally concerned about becoming romantic, the season 4 finale set the stage for the two to seriously date. Another storyline that could be picked up in the new season is the PTSD being suffered by Dr. Lim , after months of watching her patients die from maladies compounded by the pandemic.

Much of season 4 focused on Shaun and his relationship with girlfriend, Lea, her pregnancy, miscarriage and its implications on their relationship. The season ended with a team from St. Bonaventure traveling on a medical mission to Guatemala.

While in Guatemala, Dr. Lim makes a significant connection with a man at the hospital, Dr. Mateo Rendón Osma , leaving the door open for a possible romance.

The shows fans are very excited to see where things go with Lim, Osma, and other characters, and especially if there is a wedding in store for Lea and Dr. Shaun. Stay tuned for this and more

Dont Miss: How To Make A Visual Schedule For Autism

More articles

Popular Articles