Apple Celebrates Autism Acceptance Month With Two New Videos

[sehix]

The autism rate over the last few years has spiked drastically. I'm still convinced the cause is something that's being kept from the public.

Would be nice to see apple spend some money on research towards those answers.

In part, due to increased awareness, in part due to more inclusive/wider definition of what constitutes autism.

As for research, probably better for Apple to develop tools like the iPad that can be used to research issues including, but not limited to, autism and other problems.

 

[bassett700]

Better awareness is always good. But somethings up and I'm concerned we just don't know all the facts. Why has autism spiked so much in recent years?

Perhaps "better awareness and diagnosis" has given the appearance that it has "spiked." In the past, many kids went undiagnosed and untreated. The definition of Autism has also expanded over the years. There's a good article on this topic at WebMD (WebMD Special Report: Autism - Searching for Answers).

 

[leon44]

As one on the spectrum at the high functioning end, I believe one of the big reasons is society has, in the last 35 years, become significantly more demanding of having a high social IQ and emotional IQ to be "normal".

Low functioning autistics, like Dillan, have always been obviously autistic and easily diagnosed. And it's great to see tools like the iPad help them become more functioning.

But it's higher up the spectrum that all the new diagnose is occurring. People who function reasonably okay and you generally don't pick until you talk to them a little or longer.

Back in the '70s and earlier, it didn't matter if you were not able to understand feelings, or be a social butterfly, because the dominant "species" (men) were not anyway. Before the '80s, you'd never see a man cry, for example.

It was much easier for an functioning autistic to disappear into the background and find a niche were they could be happy or at least, not pressured to be someone different.

Ironically, back then, particularly for guys, if you were social and emotional, you were the one with a "disorder".

But now, we expect everyone to be in touch with their feelings and social masters. I think that's why my own diagnosis didn't come til I was 45 (7 years ago).

As I got older and the world changed, I think I found it harder and harder to conform to what was expected of a "normal" person.

I'm not saying this change in the world is a bad thing either. I think it is a very good thing. It has been a significant reason for the improved relations and understanding between men and women.

But at the moment, it's a bit out of balance because we are expecting *everybody* to fit this new "normal" and when they don't, we say something is wrong with them, and often they get diagnosed autistic.

We need to get to a point where we see functioning autistic people as normal - but in a different way.

I really like your thinking. Labeling something like autism as a negative thing; as a 'disorder' or an 'abnormality' is an unhelpful way of thinking and has an implicit suggestion that there is an arbitrary 'normal' brain function that we should all be aspiring to.

I think just in general there is huge variation in the way our brains function and we're becoming more and more aware of that as society changes. We need to accommodate for each other and our mental quirks in a more considered way than seeing those that are unusual as having something wrong with them.

 

[dontwalkhand]

I can relate to this story simply because I am an Aspie. I am happy that Apple has tools out there to help autistic children. Remember before the iPad there was nothing but the dynavox and other similar devices, which cost a lot of money. An iPad/iPhone makes it more affordable as well.

 

[Markoth]

I would agree. A good friend of mine has an autistic son and it's no fad that he has. It's very real. It's great that tools like the iPad are helping people like this. Very nice ad.

Nobody's claiming that it isn't real, but the fact is that there's a tendency to diagnose everyone with something in some vain attempt to explain their problems away. Real autism is real, there can be no doubt (I've met and worked with a few myself), but there seems to be a whole lot of fake autism out there. People that are just a little odd. I find nothing wrong with not being a common-style person. Normal people are boring and unimaginative. We certainly don't need to throw them into a group to talk about their feelings and such, just for being a little abnormal. I also know from experience that at least some of those fake cases are merely people who are the product of poor parenting, while others are just a little odd, and there's nothing wrong with that.

 

[macuser1000]

It would be great if these videos were shown to middle and high school students to help raise their awareness of autism. Perhaps it would curtail some of the subtle and not-so-subtle bullying of those with autism and maybe even spark some interest in a medical (research/treatment) career.

 

[valleian]

I wonder how long until someone complains that it's a live person instead of a silhouette and that Dillan isn't carrying a hammer when he's running.

Thank you. Someone finally said it. I'm so sick of these nostalgia obsessed users. Like I love the silhouette commercials too, but it's not 2004 anymore. Apple has to move on. Ironically it's the same people who say Apple doesn't innovate anymore, who yearn for a rehashing of old advertising campaigns. Can you imagine if they were still pumping out "I'm A Mac, and I'm A PC" or "There's An App For That" commercials? They'd be mocked and derided for failing to try something new.

 

[LeoCastillo]

I'm a dad with a son who's been clinically diagnosed with autism. This ad is wonderful.

What I'm most happy about is that the video hints on a very little known part of autism: the fact that they sense the world differently. People with autism can either have senses that are highly sensitive or lowly sensitive.

In the video he talks about seeing the wind and hearing the flowers. My son can hear electricity and can overload with too much visual data (the same way we can overload with too loud music i guess). The movie "Man of Steel" kinda touched on that too. I've lost many iPad chargers because he throws them away because he doesn't like the "sound".

This is why people with autism have "tics". Imagine that smell of lemon smelling like gasoline to them, or touching cloth is like touching sandpaper. Much of autism therapy includes re-tuning your senses. As a parent, part of our job is to learn what triggers his senses react to.

Just because one is socially awkward does not mean autism. You need to also see if they have some kind of sensory "abnormality" (I use that word not as a judgement, but to define a difference from what we perceive as normal).

Leo

 

[coolfactor]

As someone who also has Autism, I fully support Apple with showcasing this young man's story.

You might think that I have more to say (and I do), but I don't think most would read it so I'll just end it here.

I would read it.

 

[ethanwa79]

delete please

 

[rageguy]

As someone who also has Autism, I fully support Apple with showcasing this young man's story.

You might think that I have more to say (and I do), but I don't think most would read it so I'll just end it here.

I would read that too.

 

[jamesrick80]

As someone who also has Autism, I fully support Apple with showcasing this young man's story.

You might think that I have more to say (and I do), but I don't think most would read it so I'll just end it here.

I would read what you have to say...I'm sure it's more profound and enlightening than half of the comments on this forum so don't be afraid to make your statement. People on macrumors are still getting over the baby iPad pro having 2 GB of ram or their iPhone 6s Plus lagging so your comments will definitely help.

 

[dwaltwhit]

Thats very nice. Very well done.

Now how about lowering the prices and making clear on total spending for in app purchases. I love it how one app in particular is very honest on full price and charging 59.99 versus the others that lets you get to that price point eventually.

Caring isn't cheap i guess...

I understand the sentiment but 60 bux is alot to drop up front. I don't mind the gradual approach. What if I spent $60 on an app and then realized I didn't like it or it didn't suit my needs?

 

[scaredpoet]

So how does iPad actually helps? How is this different to writing or typing on a typewriter. I also form words from letters, and sentences from words while typing or speaking.

There's plenty more to it than just writing and typing, but let's focus on that directly, for just a minute.

Look at Dillan's hands and mannerisms in the video. Now, imagine handing Dillan a pencil and piece of paper, and insist on the fine motor control that handwriting would require. Actually, we don't need to really imagine it, because it's happened to people like Dillan before, and sometimes even happens to this day. The situation ends up very frustrating for them, and it's compounded when people around them just assume that a lack of ability to manipulate a pencil means a lack of intelligence.

Typewriters: Have you tried typing with one, or carrying one around? Even the electric and electronic models have their limitations. They are heavy, clunky, loud, and very unforgiving. Even someone like me, who has typed on computer keyboards for most of my life, would dread having to use a typewriter. It would be a frustrating experience I'd want to avoid, and I'm sure you would too, unless you're a glutton for punishment.

I suppose a laptop would probably work okay, but even that can be cumbersome in a lot of situations.

Or, you can hand Dillan a 1 pound tablet with customized software, that can accommodate for his writing patterns, predict text, even compensate for tremor and motor control issues.

This type of interface you can't find on a typewriter or pencil/paper, and would probably be inefficient on a laptop.

And to be fair: Yes, specialized tablet-like equipment did exist before iPads to enable communication like this. However, it was expensive, slow, bulky, and single-purpose. This is way superior to what was around before this.

And let's be blunt here: it's a technological advancement that makes things immensely easier, even for those of use without autism. I mean, why do any of us bother with iPads and computers, when we could get along just fine with slate tablets and chalk, right?

 

[pat500000]

Why do I get the feeling that Apple is merely exploiting Autism or any disabled people to sell their products?

Tim Cook: "Today, I would like to tell you that iphone 7 plus will help blind people be more productive if they purchase 128gb model which cost only $999."
People: "WOW! Good Job, Apple!"
Tim Cook: "Yes..yes. Now, I would like people to know that Apple Music Subscription will help deaf people improve in listening. They just need to pay up $29.99 per month to help these kids."
Phil Shill: -walks up to the stage- "....Innovation my A**"
People clapping

Tim: "Alright...we got a video for you."
During the video
Timmy's mom: "My Son lost both of his arms last year..and I felt helpless. I knew that if I brought ipad pro for him, he'll succeed in life. He will be a better person."
Timmy: Uses his tongue to click an app. "bwaah bwahh uuugghh."

 

[macs4nw]

Heartwarming videos. Reminds us every life is precious.

 

[bwillwall]

Don't cry don't cry don't cry... omg

 

[Murphintosh]

"Perhaps I'm an idiot who hasn't been informed of the facts or maybe time will prove me wrong..."

You're right, you haven't been informed of the facts. Time will prove you wrong, but why wait? Educate yourself. Even I had a lot to learn, and I'm on the spectrum.

 

[modemthug]

This is moving stuff

 

[Denmac1]

This brought tears..It is so wonderful that someone that is 'trapped' in a world that is challenging for them that there is the ability for them to come forth as the person that they are.
God speed Dillan. May your light shine onto others so they will have the same opportunity that has been given to you. Bless those that surround you and care so much for you.
[doublepost=1459664022][/doublepost]

Why do I get the feeling that Apple is merely exploiting Autism or any disabled people to sell their products?

Tim Cook: "Today, I would like to tell you that iphone 7 plus will help blind people be more productive if they purchase 128gb model which cost only $999."
People: "WOW! Good Job, Apple!"
Tim Cook: "Yes..yes. Now, I would like people to know that Apple Music Subscription will help deaf people improve in listening. They just need to pay up $29.99 per month to help these kids."
Phil Shill: -walks up to the stage- "....Innovation my A**"
People clapping

Tim: "Alright...we got a video for you."
During the video
Timmy's mom: "My Son lost both of his arms last year..and I felt helpless. I knew that if I brought ipad pro for him, he'll succeed in life. He will be a better person."
Timmy: Uses his tongue to click an app. "bwaah bwahh uuugghh."

Another example of bringing back the 'Down' vote

 

[garirry]

I am Asperger and in my childhood, when it was much more sever than it is now, I've met a lot of other kids with extremely high levels of autism, (and I still do occasionally). I think Apple has done a fantastic job in this ad correctly representing the general autistic person and showing how technology can help. Well done.

And I agree what some people here said, the extreme requirement of connection to the society in order to be respected is absolutely insane. I have a lot of social issues and even though I consider myself, not in a narcissistic way, quite intelligent, chances are that I'll not get a job or whatever anytime soon. But I'm trying to explore other possibilities currently, even if people around me say it won't work.

Why do I get the feeling that Apple is merely exploiting Autism or any disabled people to sell their products?

Tim Cook: "Today, I would like to tell you that iphone 7 plus will help blind people be more productive if they purchase 128gb model which cost only $999."
People: "WOW! Good Job, Apple!"
Tim Cook: "Yes..yes. Now, I would like people to know that Apple Music Subscription will help deaf people improve in listening. They just need to pay up $29.99 per month to help these kids."
Phil Shill: -walks up to the stage- "....Innovation my A**"
People clapping

Tim: "Alright...we got a video for you."
During the video
Timmy's mom: "My Son lost both of his arms last year..and I felt helpless. I knew that if I brought ipad pro for him, he'll succeed in life. He will be a better person."
Timmy: Uses his tongue to click an app. "bwaah bwahh uuugghh."

My god, you are an embarrassment to humanity. Autistic people aren't Apple's target, they are an extremely small demographic. And when you have an autistic child, you are ready to spend any amount of money to help them. Be glad that Apple isn't charging for a $100k medical kit just to let an autistic child be able to speak. Go to school.

 

[pat500000]

I am Asperger and in my childhood, when it was much more sever than it is now, I've met a lot of other kids with extremely high levels of autism, (and I still do occasionally). I think Apple has done a fantastic job in this ad correctly representing the general autistic person and showing how technology can help. Well done.

And I agree what some people here said, the extreme requirement of connection to the society in order to be respected is absolutely insane. I have a lot of social issues and even though I consider myself, not in a narcissistic way, quite intelligent, chances are that I'll not get a job or whatever anytime soon. But I'm trying to explore other possibilities currently, even if people around me say it won't work.

My god, you are an embarrassment to humanity. Autistic people aren't Apple's target, they are an extremely small demographic. And when you have an autistic child, you are ready to spend any amount of money to help them. Be glad that Apple isn't charging for a $100k medical kit just to let an autistic child be able to speak. Go to school.

I say there are better ways to helps kids than spending money on iproducts.
[doublepost=1459666159][/doublepost]

This brought tears..It is so wonderful that someone that is 'trapped' in a world that is challenging for them that there is the ability for them to come forth as the person that they are.
God speed Dillan. May your light shine onto others so they will have the same opportunity that has been given to you. Bless those that surround you and care so much for you.
[doublepost=1459664022][/doublepost]

Another example of bringing back the 'Down' vote

I think you missed my point.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Nobody's claiming that it isn't real, but the fact is that there's a tendency to diagnose everyone with something in some vain attempt to explain their problems away. Real autism is real, there can be no doubt (I've met and worked with a few myself), but there seems to be a whole lot of fake autism out there. People that are just a little odd. I find nothing wrong with not being a common-style person. Normal people are boring and unimaginative. We certainly don't need to throw them into a group to talk about their feelings and such, just for being a little abnormal. I also know from experience that at least some of those fake cases are merely people who are the product of poor parenting, while others are just a little odd, and there's nothing wrong with that.

Thank you for this very enlightening post. Now you mention it it was the way I brought my child up that made her brain to be wired completely differently from yours. If only she had been brought up by better parents like yours, then I'm sure she wouldn't be the way she is!
This is exactly the type of person I have come up against in training before. Nobody wants their child to be autistic. It's not trendy or cool. It's hard work.
Imagine never having a holiday or a trip out because your child doesn't cope with the change in routine.
Imagine only being able to eat foods that smell ok so your child doesn't freak out.
Imagine not being able to open your curtains on a bright sunny day because your child suffers from light sensitivity.
Imagine your child's friends have all moved on as they got older, but your 14 year old doesn't understand why they don't want to talk about my little pony anymore.
Imagine having to try and help teach your child the social stuff that everyone else just gets.
Like I said I don't think anyone is faking autism. It's a spectrum. Some people are mildly affected (Bill Gates?), others profoundly so.
Some are better able to cope in the world, others are not.
At least Apple have got us talking about it, which is better than not talking about it.
[doublepost=1459666449][/doublepost]Here's another video currently airing in the UK.

 

[smacrumon]

These videos should be compulsory viewing for app developers. They force us to at the very least consider how we might create an app from the ground up to be accessible, challenging the design at every turn, to make it better and more useful for a lot more people. These kinds of videos are highly emotive and they should in turn motivate us designers to do the best work possible at creating an amazing experience for everyone. Interestingly, it seems incorporating accessibility into apps isn't all too difficult in Xcode, all it requires is some extra time and thoughtful consideration to get it all right for the end user, whoever that end user may be.

 

[MH01]

Credit to the developers that develop these apps!! They are the real story here, good on them!!!