Being Autistic, Being Human [On Being]

Being Autistic, Being Human

May 13, 2010

One child in every 110 in the U.S. is now diagnosed to be somewhere on the spectrum of autism. We step back from public controversies over causes and cures and explore the mystery and meaning of autism in one family's life, and in history and society. Our guests say that life with their child with autism has deepened their understanding of human nature — of disability, and of creativity, intelligence, and accomplishment.

About the Image

Morgan climbs on playground equipment in 2002 — the first year after being diagnosed with autism.

+ (photo: Marc Thomas)

Program Details

Unheard Cuts

» Unedited Interview with Collins and Elder (mp3, 110:24)

Where to cut? Where to edit? We couldn't include all of Krista's joint interview with Paul and Jennifer. So here's your chance to listen to their entire, unedited conversation.

Hear the Music

» On Being Playlist ¦ listen to full-length tracks of each song played in the program

About the Image

Morgan climbs on playground equipment in 2002 — the first year after being diagnosed with autism.
(photo: Marc Thomas)

SoundSeen: Video

» Television Logo Histories
For their son Morgan and other people with autism, YouTube has fostered a community catering to his interest in television logo histories. So we asked him for links to some of his favorite videos. Here's some of his favorites of PBS, WGBH, and Paramount.

Selected Writings on Autism

» "Five Weeks"
The famous scientist Stephen Jay Gould recounts a personal story about his autistic son and the charming simplicity of calculating dates.

» "Parallel Play"
Tim Page, a music critic for the Washington Post, reflects on living with Asperger's syndrome.

» "The Vanishing Boy"
Making the difficult decision to put his son on anti-depressants, Paul Collins tells his story and calls it one of the most important things he's ever written.