Karen at the Babble blog Strollerderby writes that “for most of us, our idea of what autism is was deeply shaped by the movie Rainman.” Noting the limitations of the portrayal of autism in that Hollywood film (though consider Professor Stuart Murray’s evaluation of the film vis-à-vis other feature films about autism), Karen hopes that “our incomplete picture of autism can be fleshed out a little somehow.”
A few things that continue to irk me when the first response that people have about autism is “I’ve seen Rainman!.”
- The “Rainman” character in the movie—Raymond, played by Dustin Hoffman—is based on an autistic man, Kim Peek. But Rainman is not a true story; it is a Hollywood movie fiction
- Few autistic persons are savants as is the character of Raymond.
- After going on a road trip to Las Vegas with his brother Charlie, Raymond ends up back in the institution that he was in at the start of the movie, and the general consensus is that he is better off there.
Why do so many people seem to base their understanding of autism on a fictional character?
So perhaps my next response when someone says I’ve seen Rainman!” to me is “I’d love for you to see my son Charlie too and see what autistic adults themselves have to say.” I look forward to the conversation.
Although the movie RainMan didn’t show the wide range and levels of Autism, it awakened the public to mental illness. Someone should make a “RainMan 2″ movie staring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise and expand on Autism, Aspergers and other mental illnesses. I believe the movie could win many academy awards!! Charlie eventually getting Raymond out of the institution because of more attention, love and one-on-one. thanks to Charlie’s several visits, should be included in the second movie. This will show the public that sometimes “All You Need Is Love”. Have this Beatle song in the movie. Maybe Paul McCartney could make a surprise appearance in the movie. The public needs to see an “educational feel good movie” for a change!! A percentage of the movie profits could go to mental health research and education.
well i’ve seen rain man, and i can’t really tell about if its real or not but this movie shows why autistic people act like they do because their minds work more different then ares do but autistic people also hav speacial abillties like raymond was really good with numbers see their is an example of what special abilltys the have.
I just read the book Born on a Blue Day and that was the most fraudulent book about a so called autistic guy I’ve ever read. Half way into the story the guy says he’s gay. Hello! Then, as if we’re a buncha morons, he announes he’s a Christian, too! The book is one long oxymoron. Please tell me this isn’t a hit. If it is, the world of autism has changed for the worst. This kind of crap takes away from the TRUE needs of families and children suffering with this very serious disorder. What’s more, the author tells us he’s “Asperger’s” then he’s “autistic” then he’s on the specturn and by the way, his brother is an aspie. For the love of God make it stop.
[...] autistic people have special abilities such as the character played by Dustin Hoffman in the film Rain Man.” (4) 1 in 8 people think that someone displaying “typical autistic traits” has a [...]
Asperger traits are more like Dustin Hoffman himself.
Leila,
Sorry for my delayed response to your comment–I’ve been tied up doing yard work all weekend. Thanks for voicing your pleasure over my comments. I do believe you’re right about your son possibly becoming good at basketball. Some of our kids have strong visualization abilities, and those who don’t have significant motor/coordination difficulties can become quite adept at shooting a basketball. Some kids with ASD seem to have a propensity for observing and then immitating the physical actions of other people. This “gift” enables them to learn the various “moves” utilized by the professional players they watch on TV.
I do hope you continue to support your son in any of his endeavors in sports. Not everyone is built for sports, and that is okay, but for those who are interested and able, it can be tremendously therapeutic in many ways. Good luck and God Bless.
Dave
[...] The Trouble With Rain ManWhat do you say when you say “My child is autistic” and someone says “I’ve seen Rainman!” [...]