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Sunday, October 23, 2011
Vincent on Johnny and Me&Autism-September 25, 2011
Here it is-the bomb I've waited to drop on y'all. Saved the best for last, too. Vincent answered questions about his next film "Johnny and Me" that he'll produce and direct about a man with Asperger's syndrome, his obsession with the music of Johnny Cash and his relationship with his daughter. Vincent explains that the film has been delayed because the script isn't finished yet and he wants to get it right before shooting begins.
Vincent also reveals that he had issues with dyslexia and autism in his childhood and believes, had he been evaluated back then, he would have considered to be "in the autism spectrum". How mind-blowing is that? Especially considering what he has managed to accomplish in his life and career, and hearing Vincent say "I know that I am not normal" is truly stunning. But what is really "normal" about people with or without autism, anyway? Autism is not a disease or a mental disorder (Vincent made a reference to bi-polar disorder)but something akin to "mind blindness." You can find out more about autism at www.autismspeaks.org, www.asa.org and www.yai.org. Siblings of people with autism and Asperger's syndrome can find support and information at www.sibnet.org, www.yai.org and www.ahrc.org.
Vincent also answers questions about living in Kingston, NY and his upbringing in Brooklyn, NY and Miami, FL.
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Thank-you, I have read a lot about Autism and Asperger's syndrome, but have no personal experience with it. I was diagnosed with manic depressive/Bipolar at the age of 13, and my youngest daughter also has it. I know that I'm not normal as well, Vincent thank-you for speaking about these topics, it gets to the point were people just look at you as crazy instead of a mental illness. Pills, pills and more pills just to get through a day without jumping up and down in your mind. I respect you very much for talking about this, hopefully people will start understanding and accepting. It takes a lot of courage to speak about this.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this Blanca, I've struggled with AS my whole life, but did not know about AS until I was 30, and did not get diagnosed until I was 34 (just a couple of months ago). It's frustrating and frightening to be lost in a world where no one identifies with you, and you can't understand them. Now that there is more social awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorders, it's just comforting to know that there are others I can relate to, and vice versa. I appreciate Vincent D'onofrio's virtuosity as an actor, and respect him as a genuine and unique individual.
ReplyDeleteLet me tell you a little story. A boy was born in 1927. From his earliest experience in school, he had difficulty keeping up with his classmates. Back in those days, kids like him were labelled "slow" and dumped into a "special class." The only purpose that served was to make him the butt of jokes and subject of ridicule - even from kids he considered friends. By the time he hit high school, he had enough, and dropped out of school.
ReplyDeleteWithout a GED, he served in the Army Air Corps in World War 2, and upon his return from the Philippines, he got and maintained a position in the Family Housing Division of a famous military base, rising to the level of Warehouse Supervisor. He also had incredible mechanical skills - he could fix any sort of motor: car, lawn mower, refrigerator, etc... Not too shabby, for a guy who couldn't really read.
I was honored and proud to call this man Daddy. He passed away when I was 14 yrs old. Frequently, my mother and I would remember funny, little peculiarities about Dad. I recalled how sometimes, when he'd be signing his name "William," he'd write "W-L-I-L-I-A-M." Later on, in college as I studied psychology, I learned of a learning disability called dyslexia. Upon reflection, I recognized it...that was my father! My mother often told me that, when I was born, my father was - well, proud and loved his.little girl, of course, but he had a nagging fear that his little girl would turn out "dumb like him." To his great relief, she turned out to be a smart cookie - and now, he's probably either spinning in his grave or laughing his butt off in Heaven to realize what a smart-ASS his daughter turned out to be!
Even with all the knowledge we have today about learning disabilities, it's still not accepted. My 17 yr old cousin, within the last year, has been diagnosed with ADD. A "team" worked out a plan to assist Sammie, and when one of her teachers was informed of this, he called her up in front of the class and announced that she was "claiming to now have ADD." (He had also made a similar spectacle when she had missed a few classes, due to being hospitalized for a few days to diagnose Epilepsy...) And as much as 6 months after this plan was "implemented," her father found out that some of her teachers were not abiding by it - i.e., she is entitled to 50% more time to complete assignments without late penalties, and she was being docked points for handing assignments in within that 50% extra time. When her Dad questioned the teachers, he was told that it was unfair to Sammie, as she needed to learn to deal with the "reality of deadlines." I guess these same teachers would also support taking wheelchairs away from sick/paralyzed kids as well, as they should learn to deal with the "reality of stairs!" (The teachers had no answer for that!)
I know I am not "normal" either! How does one define "normalcy" anyway? What is the predominant "mode" of some situation/circumstance in society? By that standard, I guess minorities and the homosexual community would be termed "abnormal!" (Not my position...just making a point... ;) ) Screw normalcy! My quirks make me a unique individual! I revel in my abnormal self!
My sanity? That's a whole different issue! ;)
God bless you all here, all those struggling. And God bless VDO!
Sharonkateri, what a great story, and how proud your family must be. I can't agree with you more, quirks are pretty much what I'm all about, and now finally can say I'm not ashamed to show people who I am, even when they aren't ready lol And definitely what you said about your niece it isn't accepted like it should, and then on top of all that kids that torment and ridicule a kid that is different.
ReplyDeleteMy little cousin...I'm proud of her. She also has other obstacles, such as having an absent mother and a sick father (physical ailments and anxiety/depression)...but she's quite a mature, smart, confident young lady. She's really an inspiration to me! She's also developing the same smart-ass qualities that her Dad taught me, and I try to encourage in her. ;)
ReplyDeleteBy the way...just for your information...that is my Dad in the profile photo. Er...you can just ignore that.ugly little kid with him...;)
ReplyDeleteThat's a great photo of you and your dad. You all should be proud of your cousin, she sounds like a very lovely girl. I unfortunately or fortunately gave my smart ass qualities to my younger daughter, but I joke with her that I will always out smart her with it.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jonquil, Sharon and Rose for sharing your stories here. I am so gratified by the incredible response to Vincent's own words about his experiences with autism and dyslexia. I've even heard from his sister Toni on Facebook. I told her that I hope Vincent will continue to publicly represent people on the autism spectrum. We all have reason to be proud and grateful. Amen!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more. Speaking about autism spectrum and mental health issues is the only way people will understand and be more accepting. I know that I try to be open about my issues and my daughter's issues and feel there is no reason to hide it. In 2011 there really should not be any stigma about any of these issues, but unfortunately there are, and it is so sad.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to add, I enjoy your blog and the people making comments. Don't have many people to talk with except my husband and daughters, and to say hello, how are you, with the neighbors. So I appreciate being able to post on here and Nantze's blog as well. Thank-you
ReplyDeleteRose...don't know where you are located, but if you're in upstate NY, I'd be willing to hang with you...around West Point area! Always willing to make new friends! :)
ReplyDeleteI would love to hang with you, we live in Southern California, but I'm originally from Wisconsin. My dad passed away two months ago and since there is no more family left from my dad's and mom's side it looks like my husband and I will move back there into the house next year sometime. Would love to see upstate NY, heard it is very pretty up there.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about your dad, Rose. May he rest in peace. Upstate New York is gorgeous this time of year. So is Brooklyn, btw. I'd love to hang with both you and Sharon. We should have a VDO meetup group in NY and then we can hang with Vincent. That would be fun!
ReplyDeleteThank-you, yes that would be fun, but if we hang with Vincent I don't think that I'll make much sense. When I'm nervous I laugh and chatter nonsensical stuff. But it sure would be fun.
ReplyDelete