The NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams closed with their signature Making a Difference segment and today’s story on children with autism was truly touching. Big theatre productions are often inaccessible for the autistic children because the explosive lights and sounds are sensory overload for them. As Brian explained, some folks in the theater world had a blockbuster idea on how to make some tweaks to the Broadway production of The Lion King so it was accessible to autistic children. Here’s the story:
The look of absolute delight on the children’s faces says it all.
Autism friendly performances. What a remarkable idea. It’s all about turning down the volume during explosive moments and softening or removing bright strobes, spotlights and flashpots.
If the movement isn’t already afoot, this type of thinking and action needs to be applied to other live performances, as well as movies, television shows, digital games and computer applications.
And let’s not forget television advertisements. How many commercials are a cacophony of concussive sound effects and lightning-quick scenes? They’re dizzying, numbing and often so annoying that adults and even teens hit the mute button and take the eyes off the screen. A person with autism doesn’t have a chance.
A prime example: some local car dealership commercials are over the top. You know the ones that come on with the volume amped up much louder than the show it is sponsoring. The voiceover screams: THIS WEEKEND ONLY, WE’RE BLOWING THE DOORS OFF THE COMPETITION. YOU CAN DRIVE AWAY WITH NO MONEY DOWN, ZERO PERCENT FINANCING AND WE’LL MAKE YOUR FIRST PAYMENT. EVERYBODY QUALIFIES. YOU CAN’T BE DENIED!
An absolute assault on the senses. It’s ridiculous.
Will someone step up and make a difference in the advertising industry? Will someone develop a practice that creates commercials that are geared toward persons with autism? Perhaps this market segment isn’t large enough yet, but with an estimated that one in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism every year with a 10 – 17% annual growth, it will be soon.
No comments:
Post a Comment