When news programs do a segment on an autistic individual in a patronizing, condescending way. The show will portray the person as this huge inspiration yet at the same time they do it in such a fake, babying manner, almost like they're not a full person with their own feelings, thoughts, dreams, preferences, etc - just something to bring in ratings. They'll often fixate on getting the voices of the disabled person's parents or family or teachers or caregivers but never seriously entertain the opinions of the person themself. I don't know how to describe it properly but it kinda annoys me. I suppose it beats than outright mocking autistic people or condemning them as being incompetent but it still doesn't feel genuine or humanizing. I've also seen this ridiculous and hokey method of coverage done on people with some other disability like Down Syndrome. And it's not just on news shows, it's something I've see a lot on daytime talk shows and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Has anyone else ever noticed this? I can't be the only person who finds this frustrating. Just another reason why I hardly ever watch TV anymore.
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