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Autistic Pride Day (18 June)

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Autistic Pride Day, originally an Aspies for Freedom initiative, is a pride celebration for autistic people held on 18 June each year.

Autistic pride recognises the importance of pride for autistic people and its role in bringing about positive changes in the broader society.

Autistic Pride

On 18 June every year, organisations around the world celebrate Autistic Pride Day, with events around the world, to connect with one another through autistic events and demonstrate to allistic people (those not on the autism spectrum) that autistic people are unique individuals who should not be seen as cases for treatment.

Autistic Pride Day was first celebrated in 2005 by Aspies for Freedom (AFF) and it quickly became a global event which is celebrated widely online and offline. AFF modelled the celebration on the gay pride movement. According to Kabie Brook, the co-founder of Autism Rights Group Highland (ARGH), “the most important thing to note about the day is that it is an autistic community event: it originated from and is still led by autistic people ourselves”, i.e. it is not a day for other charities or organisations to promote themselves or stifle autistic people. The rainbow infinity symbol is used as the symbol of this day, representing “diversity with infinite variations and infinite possibilities”.

During gay pride and other LGBTQ events, a rainbow flag is used featuring a white infinity symbol on a tri-colour background. LGBT+ autistic charity Twainbow oversaw the selection and online voting in 2015. Due to various reasons a rainbow infinity symbol is sometimes used.

Autistic pride points out that autistic people have always been an important part of human culture. Being autistic is a form of neurodiversity. As with all forms of neurodiversity, most of the challenges autistic people face come from other people’s attitudes about autism and a lack of supports and accommodations (ableism), rather than being essential to the autistic condition. For instance, according to Larry Arnold and Gareth Nelson, many autism-related organisations promote feelings of pity for parents, rather than fostering understanding. Autistic activists have contributed to a shift in attitudes away from the notion that autism is a deviation from the norm that must be treated or cured. Autistic self-advocacy organisations, which are led and run by autistics, are a key force in the movement for autistic acceptance and autistic pride.

New Scientist magazine released an article entitled “Autistic and proud” on the first Autistic Pride Day that discussed the idea.

Themes

  • 2005 Acceptance not cure – main event of 2005 was in Brasília, capital of Brazil.
  • 2006 Celebrate Neurodiversity – main events of 2006 were an Autistic Pride Summer Camp in Germany and an event at the Scienceworks Museum in Melbourne, Australia.
  • 2007 Autistics Speak. It’s time to listen.
  • 2008 Without a theme.
  • 2009 Without a theme.
  • 2010 Perspectives, not fear.
  • 2011 Recognize, Respect, Include.
  • 2012 No theme – main event of 2012 was in Herzliya Park, in Israel.
  • 2013 No theme – main event of 2013 was in Sacher Park, in Jerusalem, Israel.
  • 2015 No theme – main events were in Reading, UK, Hyde Park in London, UK, and Haifa, Israel.
  • 2016 No theme – main events were in Reading, UK, Hyde Park in London, UK, Manchester UK, and Ramat HaSharon, Israel, Nebraska.
  • 2017 No theme – main events were in Hyde Park, London, U.K., Reading U.K., Manchester UK and Modiin, Israel, and Nebraska.
  • 2018 No theme – main events were in Hyde Park, London, U.K., Reading U.K., Manchester UK and Tel Aviv, Israel.
  • 2019 No theme – main events were in Hyde Park, London, U.K., Reading U.K., Manchester UK, Paris, France, Lincoln, Nebraska, and for the first time, an Autistic Pride march in Galway, Ireland.

Beyond Paranoia & Panic: Mental Health Strategies to Combat the Psychological Impact of COVID-19

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Research Paper Title

Mental Health Strategies to Combat the Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Beyond Paranoia and Panic.

Background

On 30 January 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) an international public health emergency after the number of cases soared across 34 regions in Mainland China and surpassed that of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003.

The virus was believed to have originated from a wholesale seafood market in the city of Wuhan in the province of Hubei towards the end of December 2019.

Shortly after, the number of cases increased exponentially in Wuhan and nearby cities and provinces before spreading throughout the world.

Located approximately 3,432 km from the epicentre of Wuhan, Singapore is a densely populated city-state of 5.7 million who saw 1,592,612 international visitors in 2019; of these, 380,933 were visitors from Mainland China.

After a tourist from Wuhan was identified as the first case of COVID-19 infection on 23 January 2020 in Singapore, the country responded decisively by initiating a series of public health measures to contain the outbreak that included travel advisories, restriction of entry into the country by individuals who had travelled to Mainland China in the preceding 2 weeks, mandatory quarantine for contact cases and rigorous contact tracing of individuals linked to confirmed COVID-19 cases.

You can access the full article here.

Reference

Ho, C.S., Chee, C.Y. & Ho, R.C. (2020) Mental Health Strategies to Combat the Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Beyond Paranoia and Panic. Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore. 49(3), pp.155-160.

Mental Health & COVID-19: Psychological Impacts that Merit Consideration now Rather than Later

Published on by Andrew MarshallLeave a comment

Research Paper Title

Mental health in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background

During any outbreak of an infectious disease, the population’s psychological reactions play a critical role in shaping both spread of the disease and the occurrence of emotional distress and social disorder during and after the outbreak. Despite this fact, sufficient resources are typically not provided to manage or attenuate pandemics’ effects on mental health and well-being. While this might be understandable in the acute phase of an outbreak, when health systems prioritise testing, reducing transmission and critical patient care, psychological and psychiatric needs should not be overlooked during any phase of pandemic management.

There are many reasons for this. It is known that psychological factors play an important role in adherence to public health measures (such as vaccination) and in how people cope with the threat of infection and consequent losses. These are clearly crucial issues to consider in the management of any infectious disease, including COVID-19. Psychological reactions to pandemics include maladaptive behaviours, emotional distress and defensive responses. People who are prone to psychological problems are especially vulnerable.

All of these features are in clear evidence during the current COVID-19 pandemic. One study of 1,210 respondents from 194 cities in China in January and February 2020 found that:

  • 54% of respondents rated the psychological impact of the COVID-19 outbreak as moderate or severe;
  • 29% reported moderate to severe anxiety symptoms; and
  • 17% reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms.

Notwithstanding possible response bias, these are very high proportions – and it is likely that some people are at even greater risk. During the 2009 H1N1 influenza outbreak (‘swine flu’), a study of mental health patients found that children and patients with neurotic and somatoform disorders were significantly over-represented among those expressing moderate or severe concerns.

Against this background, and as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread around the world, the authors hypothesise a number of psychological impacts that merit consideration now rather than later.

In the first instance, it should be recognised that, even in the normal course of events, people with established mental illness have a lower life expectancy and poorer physical health outcomes than the general population. As a result, people with pre-existing mental health and substance use disorders will be at increased risk of infection with COVID-19, increased risk of having problems accessing testing and treatment and increased risk of negative physical and psychological effects stemming from the pandemic.

Second, we anticipate a considerable increase in anxiety and depressive symptoms among people who do not have pre-existing mental health conditions, with some experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder in due course. There is already evidence that this possibility has been under-recognised in China during the current pandemic.

Third, it can be anticipated that health and social care professionals will be at particular risk of psychological symptoms, especially if they work in public health, primary care, emergency services, emergency departments and intensive or critical care. The World Health Organisation has formally recognised this risk to healthcare workers, so more needs to be done to manage anxiety and stress in this group and, in the longer term, help prevent burnout, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

There are several steps that can and should be taken now to minimise the psychological and psychiatric effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

First, while it might be ostensibly attractive to re-deploy mental health professionals to work in other areas of healthcare, this should be avoided. Such a move would almost certainly worsen outcomes overall and place people with mental illness at disproportionate risk of deterioration in physical and mental health. If anything, this group needs enhanced care at this time.

Second, the authors recommend the provision of targeted psychological interventions for communities affected by COVID-19, particular supports for people at high risk of psychological morbidity, enhanced awareness and diagnosis of mental disorders (especially in primary care and emergency departments) and improved access to psychological interventions (especially those delivered online and through smartphone technologies). These measures can help diminish or prevent future psychiatric morbidity.

Finally, there is a need for particular focus on frontline workers including, but not limited to, healthcare staff. In the USA, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention offer valuable advice for healthcare workers in order to reduce secondary traumatic stress reactions, including increased awareness of symptoms, taking breaks from work, engaging in self-care, taking breaks from media coverage and asking for help. This kind of advice needs to be underpinned by awareness of this risk among employers, enhanced peer-support and practical assistance for healthcare workers who find themselves exhausted, stressed and feeling excessive personal responsibility for clinical outcomes during what appears to be the largest pandemic of our times.

Even in this emergency circumstance, or especially in this emergency circumstance, we neglect mental health at our peril and to our long-term detriment.

Reference

Cullen, W., Gulati, G. & Kelly, B.D. (2020) Mental Health in the COVID-19 Pandemic. QJM: An International Journal of Medicine. 113(5), pp.311-312.

I Know This Much Is True (2020): S01E06

Published on by Andrew Marshall1 Comment

Introduction

I Know This Much Is True is an American television miniseries written and directed by Derek Cianfrance based on the 1998 novel of the same name by Wally Lamb.

Mark Ruffalo stars in two roles, identical twin brothers Dominick and Thomas Birdsey.

Outline

A lifetime of animosity between Dominick and Ray spills over in public at an inopportune time.

After an unexpected tragedy, Dominick seeks reconciliation with those he has hurt.

I Know This Much Is True Series

You can find a full index of I Know This Much Is True here.

Production & Filming Details

  • Narrator(s): Mark Ruffalo and Marcello Fonte.
  • Director(s): Derek Cianfrance.
  • Producer(s): Wally Lamb, Anya Epstein, Ben Browning, Glen Basner, Lynette Howell, Taylor, Gregg Fienberg, Mark Ruffalo, Derek Cianfrance, and Jeffrey T. Bernstein.
  • Writer(s): Derek Cianfrance and Anya Epstein.
  • Music: Harold Budd.
  • Cinematography: Jody Lee Lipes.
  • Editor(s): Ron Patane, Jim Helton, Malcolm Jamieson, Dean Palisch, and Nico Leunen.
  • Production: Willi Hill and FilmNation Entertainment.
  • Distributor(s): HBO.
  • Release Date: 14 June 2020.
  • Running Time: 59-80 minutes (per episode).
  • Country: US.
  • Language: English.

I Know This Much Is True (2020): S01E05

Published on by Andrew Marshall1 Comment

Introduction

I Know This Much Is True is an American television miniseries written and directed by Derek Cianfrance based on the 1998 novel of the same name by Wally Lamb.

Mark Ruffalo stars in two roles, identical twin brothers Dominick and Thomas Birdsey.

Outline

Upon learning details of his Sicilian grandfather’s arrival in the 1900s Dominick, becomes convinced his family is cursed.

A startling update on Thomas from an unlikely source prompts Dominick to take drastic action.

I Know This Much Is True Series

You can find a full index of I Know This Much Is True here.

Production & Filming Details

  • Narrator(s): Mark Ruffalo and Marcello Fonte.
  • Director(s): Derek Cianfrance.
  • Producer(s): Wally Lamb, Anya Epstein, Ben Browning, Glen Basner, Lynette Howell, Taylor, Gregg Fienberg, Mark Ruffalo, Derek Cianfrance, and Jeffrey T. Bernstein.
  • Writer(s): Derek Cianfrance and Anya Epstein.
  • Music: Harold Budd.
  • Cinematography: Jody Lee Lipes.
  • Editor(s): Ron Patane, Jim Helton, Malcolm Jamieson, Dean Palisch, and Nico Leunen.
  • Production: Willi Hill and FilmNation Entertainment.
  • Distributor(s): HBO.
  • Release Date: 07 June 2020.
  • Running Time: 59-80 minutes (per episode).
  • Country: US.
  • Language: English.

I Know This Much Is True (2020): S01E04

Published on by Andrew Marshall1 Comment

Introduction

I Know This Much Is True is an American television miniseries written and directed by Derek Cianfrance based on the 1998 novel of the same name by Wally Lamb.

Mark Ruffalo stars in two roles, identical twin brothers Dominick and Thomas Birdsey.

Outline

Despite the protestations of those closest to him, Dominick returns to work before fully recovering from his accident.

Heavily medicated, Dominick recalls the disturbing incident that lead to Thomas’s first hospitalisation.

I Know This Much Is True Series

You can find a full index of I Know This Much Is True here.

Production & Filming Details

  • Narrator(s): Mark Ruffalo and Marcello Fonte.
  • Director(s): Derek Cianfrance.
  • Producer(s): Wally Lamb, Anya Epstein, Ben Browning, Glen Basner, Lynette Howell, Taylor, Gregg Fienberg, Mark Ruffalo, Derek Cianfrance, and Jeffrey T. Bernstein.
  • Writer(s): Derek Cianfrance and Anya Epstein.
  • Music: Harold Budd.
  • Cinematography: Jody Lee Lipes.
  • Editor(s): Ron Patane, Jim Helton, Malcolm Jamieson, Dean Palisch, and Nico Leunen.
  • Production: Willi Hill and FilmNation Entertainment.
  • Distributor(s): HBO.
  • Release Date: 31 May 2020.
  • Running Time: 59-80 minutes (per episode).
  • Country: US.
  • Language: English.

I Know This Much Is True (2020): S01E03

Published on by Andrew Marshall1 Comment

Introduction

I Know This Much Is True is an American television miniseries written and directed by Derek Cianfrance based on the 1998 novel of the same name by Wally Lamb.

Mark Ruffalo stars in two roles, identical twin brothers Dominick and Thomas Birdsey.

Outline

Sheffer preps Dominick for a pivotal hearing with Hatch’s review board that could decide Thomas’ fate.

A chance encounter with an old classmate brings painful childhood memories to the surface.

I Know This Much Is True Series

You can find a full index of I Know This Much Is True here.

Production & Filming Details

  • Narrator(s): Mark Ruffalo and Marcello Fonte.
  • Director(s): Derek Cianfrance.
  • Producer(s): Wally Lamb, Anya Epstein, Ben Browning, Glen Basner, Lynette Howell, Taylor, Gregg Fienberg, Mark Ruffalo, Derek Cianfrance, and Jeffrey T. Bernstein.
  • Writer(s): Derek Cianfrance and Anya Epstein.
  • Music: Harold Budd.
  • Cinematography: Jody Lee Lipes.
  • Editor(s): Ron Patane, Jim Helton, Malcolm Jamieson, Dean Palisch, and Nico Leunen.
  • Production: Willi Hill and FilmNation Entertainment.
  • Distributor(s): HBO.
  • Release Date: 24 May 2020.
  • Running Time: 59-80 minutes (per episode).
  • Country: US.
  • Language: English.

I Know This Much Is True (2020): S01E02

Published on by Andrew Marshall1 Comment

Introduction

I Know This Much Is True is an American television miniseries written and directed by Derek Cianfrance based on the 1998 novel of the same name by Wally Lamb.

Mark Ruffalo stars in two roles, identical twin brothers Dominick and Thomas Birdsey.

Outline

Tensions rise between Dominick Joy as the media takes an interest in Thomas’s case.

In an attempt to have Thomas released from Hatch Forensic Institute, Dominick learns that helping his brother may be more difficult than expected.

I Know This Much Is True Series

You can find a full index of I Know This Much Is True here.

Production & Filming Details

  • Narrator(s): Mark Ruffalo and Marcello Fonte.
  • Director(s): Derek Cianfrance.
  • Producer(s): Wally Lamb, Anya Epstein, Ben Browning, Glen Basner, Lynette Howell, Taylor, Gregg Fienberg, Mark Ruffalo, Derek Cianfrance, and Jeffrey T. Bernstein.
  • Writer(s): Derek Cianfrance and Anya Epstein.
  • Music: Harold Budd.
  • Cinematography: Jody Lee Lipes.
  • Editor(s): Ron Patane, Jim Helton, Malcolm Jamieson, Dean Palisch, and Nico Leunen.
  • Production: Willi Hill and FilmNation Entertainment.
  • Distributor(s): HBO.
  • Release Date: 17 May 2020.
  • Running Time: 59-80 minutes (per episode).
  • Country: US.
  • Language: English.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4KBGydqlVk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uU9bL9JnCvU

I Know This Much Is True (2020): S01E01

Published on by Andrew Marshall1 Comment

Introduction

I Know This Much Is True is an American television miniseries written and directed by Derek Cianfrance based on the 1998 novel of the same name by Wally Lamb.

Mark Ruffalo stars in two roles, identical twin brothers Dominick and Thomas Birdsey.

Outline

After paranoid schizophrenic Thomas Birdsey has a violent public breakdown, Dominick Birdsey finds himself stepping up to defend his identical twin brother in unexpected ways.

I Know This Much Is True Series

You can find a full index of I Know This Much Is True here.

Production & Filming Details

  • Narrator(s): Mark Ruffalo and Marcello Fonte.
  • Director(s): Derek Cianfrance.
  • Producer(s): Wally Lamb, Anya Epstein, Ben Browning, Glen Basner, Lynette Howell, Taylor, Gregg Fienberg, Mark Ruffalo, Derek Cianfrance, and Jeffrey T. Bernstein.
  • Writer(s): Derek Cianfrance and Anya Epstein.
  • Music: Harold Budd.
  • Cinematography: Jody Lee Lipes.
  • Editor(s): Ron Patane, Jim Helton, Malcolm Jamieson, Dean Palisch, and Nico Leunen.
  • Production: Willi Hill and FilmNation Entertainment.
  • Distributor(s): HBO.
  • Release Date: 10 May 2020.
  • Running Time: 59-80 minutes (per episode).
  • Country: US.
  • Language: English.

I Know This Much Is True TV Series Overview

Published on by Andrew Marshall6 Comments

Introduction

I Know This Much Is True is an American television miniseries written and directed by Derek Cianfrance based on the 1998 novel of the same name by Wally Lamb.

Mark Ruffalo stars in two roles, identical twin brothers Dominick and Thomas Birdsey.

Outline

Middle-aged Dominick Birdsey recounts his troubled relationship with Thomas, his paranoid schizophrenic twin brother, and his efforts to get him released from an asylum.

Cast

  • Main:
    • Mark Ruffalo as Dominick and Thomas Birdsey.
    • Melissa Leo as Ma, Dominick and Thomas’ mother. It is later revealed her full name is Concettina Ipolita Tempesta Birdsey.
    • John Procaccino as Ray Birdsey, Dominick and Thomas’ stepfather
    • Rob Huebel as Leo[3], Dominick’s best friend.
    • Michael Greyeyes as Ralph Drinkwater, a former classmate from Dominick and Thomas’ youth whose life intersects once again with Dominick.
    • Gabe Fazio as Shawn Tudesco, a weightlifter down at hard-bodies. Fazio also played Dominick and Thomas Birdsey as a stand-in for scenes where both of them would appear.
    • Juliette Lewis as Nedra Frank, a self-absorbed grad student hired by Dominick.
    • Kathryn Hahn as Dessa Constantine, Dominick’s ex-wife.
    • Rosie O’Donnell as Lisa Sheffer, a social worker for unit two at the Hatch Forensic Institute.
    • Imogen Poots as Joy Hanks, Dominick’s live-in girlfriend.
    • Archie Panjabi as Dr. Patel, Thomas’ newly appointed psychologist.
    • Philip Ettinger as Young Dominick and Thomas Birdsey.
    • Aisling Franciosi as Young Dessa
    • Bruce Greenwood as Dr. Hume.
    • Marcello Fonte as Domenico Onofrio Tempesta, Dominick and Thomas’ maternal grandfather from Sicily.
    • Harris Yulin as Father LaVie.
  • Recurring:
    • Donnie Masihi as 8-Year Old Dominick Birdsey.
    • Rocco Masihi as 8-Year Old Thomas Birdsey.
    • Joseph Ragno as Henrey Rood.
    • Laura Esterman as Ruth Rood.
    • Annie Fitzgerald as Miss Hanker.
    • Irene Muscara as Prosperine Tucci (“The Monkey”), Ignazia’s best friend and lover, loathed by Domenico Tempesta.
    • Matt Helm as Young Leo.
    • Agatha Nowicki as Angie Constantine, Dessa’s sister.
    • Tatanka Means as Nabby Drinkwater.
    • Achakos Johnson as Penny Ann Drinkwater.
  • Guest:
    • Brian Goodman as Al (“One”).
    • Guillermo Diaz as Sergeant Mercado (“One”).
    • Laura Silverman as Kristin (“One”).
    • Joe Grifasi as Steve Falice (“Four”).
    • Felix Solis as Nurse (“Four”).
    • Sue Jean Kim as Dr. Yup (“Four”).
    • Roberta Rigano as Ignazia Tucci Tempesta (Violetta d’Annunzio), Dominick’s grandmother from Pescara. (“Five”).
    • Simone Coppo as Vincenzo Tempesta, youngest brother of Domenico Tempesta. (“Five”).
    • Zaria Degenhardt as Concettina Tempesta, Dominick and Thomas’ mother as a young girl (“Six”).

Trivia

  • In June 1998, it was announced that 20th Century Fox had acquired film rights to I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb, with Clinica Estetico producing, and Jonathan Demme potentially directing.
    • In July 2000, it was announced Matt Damon would star in the film, with Jim Sheridan directing from a screenplay by Richard Friedenberg.
    • In July 2004, it was announced Gina Prince-Bythewood would direct and re-write the film.
    • The film rights expired and reverted back to Lamb, who thought the novel would be better adapted into a miniseries rather than a film. Being a fan of Mark Ruffalo’s work, Lamb suggested Ruffalo should play the role of the twins.
    • Ruffalo was sent the book and wrote an e-mail to Lamb confessing his love for the novel, stating he definitely wanted to be involved.
  • Ruffalo had been interested in working with Derek Cianfrance, and reached out to see if Cianfrance would be interested in directing and writing the series.
    • Lamb told Cianfrance and Ruffalo to make the material their own, and did not ask to see the scripts.
    • In October 2017, it was announced HBO would produce and distribute the series, with Ruffalo starring and executive producing, Cianfrance directing writing, executive-producing alongside Lamb, with FilmNation Entertainment producing the series.
    • In October 2018, the series was greenlit.
  • Ruffalo first shot all of his scenes as Dominick, requiring him to lose 15 lb (6.8 kg).
    • After finishing his scenes as Dominick, Ruffalo took a six-week break to gain 30 lb (14 kg) and then shoot his scenes as Thomas.
    • Gabe Fazio portrayed the roles of both Dominick and Thomas.
    • He is the same height as Ruffalo and lost thirty pounds to play Dominick when Ruffalo shot his scenes as Thomas.
    • Production concluded in October 2019.
  • The members of the Psychiatric Security Review Board in Episode 4 are played by some local officials in Dutchess County, New York, where most of the series was filmed: State Senator Sue Serino, sheriff Butch Anderson, and his wife Danielle, president of the Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie.
  • Principal photography began in April 2019, in New York’s Hudson Valley.
    • On 09 May 2019 a fire erupted on the set of the series at a used car dealership in Ellenville.
    • The building, film equipment and 20 vintage cars were destroyed.
    • There were no injuries but it put filming on hold.

I Know This Much Is True Series

Production & Filming Details

  • Narrator(s): Mark Ruffalo and Marcello Fonte.
  • Director(s): Derek Cianfrance.
  • Producer(s): Wally Lamb, Anya Epstein, Ben Browning, Glen Basner, Lynette Howell, Taylor, Gregg Fienberg, Mark Ruffalo, Derek Cianfrance, and Jeffrey T. Bernstein.
  • Writer(s): Derek Cianfrance and Anya Epstein.
  • Music: Harold Budd.
  • Cinematography: Jody Lee Lipes.
  • Editor(s): Ron Patane, Jim Helton, Malcolm Jamieson, Dean Palisch, and Nico Leunen.
  • Production: Willi Hill and FilmNation Entertainment.
  • Distributor(s): HBO.
  • Release Date: 10 May 2020 to 14 June 2020.
  • Running Time: 59-80 minutes (per episode).
  • Country: US.
  • Language: English.