Many Hollywood celebrities and executives have been open and honest about having a special needs child or special needs relatives. No doubt, these power players have, to a certain degree, influenced how special needs are portrayed in multi-media. But, how can a regular “Joe-Schmoe” change the television landscape? The answer is easy when you follow this simple three–step checklist.
Step One: Birth or adopt a special needs child.
Step Two: Be asked to write a column on autism. See Step One.
Step Three: Have an overabundance of time, be slightly delusional, and be so egomaniacal and narcissistic that you actually think you can re-write existing television shows to suit your needs.
With tongue-firmly-in-cheek, hereto with is a line-up of several television shows that could be rewritten so as to be more relatable to parents of special needs individuals.
American Horror Story
This anthology horror series will shine a spotlight on autism, the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S. The real American Horror Story is that today, 1 in 88 children/1 in 54 boys/1 in 252 girls will be diagnosed with autism. Today, more children will be diagnosed with autism than diagnosed with pediatric cancer, pediatric AIDS and juvenile diabetes… combined.
Happy Endings
This sitcom will now focus on the scientific achievements of six, good looking, brilliant Chicago friends who spend day and night in search of autism’s cause, treatment and cure. So as to not diverge completely from the original storyline, many scientific findings take place in the local bar, restaurant or bedroom.
Hoarders
The all-new Hoarders takes an investigative look at household products that mysteriously disappear — toothpaste tubes, shampoo, silverware, television clickers — only to be found days later in the far-reaches of attics or basements, and methodically and architecturally arranged by color and size order.
Last Resort and/or The Amazing Race and/or Raising Hope
A documentary-reality show that pits parents and caregivers with unmitigated passion against the clock — and local savings bank — as they travel from town to town, state to state, country to country, in search of hidden therapies, clues or nuggets of wisdom that give hope for viable treatment.
True Blood
This retooled Louisiana-based crowd-favorite saga will continue to detail the lives of vampires, werewolves, and shifters. The sleep-habits of Bill Compton and Eric Northman will remain, as we all relate to children who are wide awake when the sun goes down. The biggest change will be in the portrayal of the actual True Blood manufactured beverage; the liquid-gold in a bottle remains 100% pure-hematologic, but will segue into different varieties that are organic, peanut- and tree-nut free, gluten-free, DHA and Omega-3 fortified. The final episode of the new series will include a True Blood beverage with chicken nugget flavor and subtle French fry undertones.
Big Bang Theory
This wildly successful sitcom will now focus on the parents of Sheldon Cooper, one of two lead characters who has Asperger syndrome. Viewers will have an up-close and personal view of Sheldon’s actual conception, or as much conception that network television can provide. Unfortunately, as many married couples can attest, the full episode will clock in at less than fifteen minutes, so viewers must prepare for numerous commercial interruptions. Moving on…
The Walking Dead and/or Up All Night and/or Survivor and/or Last Man Standing
This dramatic show portrays the parents, caregivers, teachers and therapists for special needs children , in their quest to find the nearest bed, couch or floor so that they may take a well-deserved rest, regardless of how short that rest might actually be.
Say Anything
A self-explanatory talk show. Really... Just! Say! Anything!
Hey Hollywood, how ‘bout them apples to get your creative juices flowing? Want to hear more? Have your people call my people; let’s do lunch.
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