September 28, 2018
autism
autism spectrum disorder
Donald Gray Triplett
mental health
psychology
stigma
Liam Morrison
Back in those days, disabilities, whether physical or mental, were a lot harder to identify than they are today. Fortunately in todays day and age we know so much more and it is much easier to spot. Autism affects millions of people and thankfully him being diagnosed has not only helped himself, but has helped millions of other people all around the world cope better with their disability.
05/09/2019
11:12 pm
Ilse Amaya
It’s very unfortunate that Donald Gray had to go through his autism without any guidance or knowledge about his condition. It must’ve been very difficult and traumatic going through what he went through at his early stages of life. I am glad he is able to live a normal life coping with his autism. At the end of the day that is the goal regarding everyone who has a mental illness, to get better and adapt to society the best they can. A lot of people who have autism have different ways of coping with it and socializing with others. It’s up to others to respond and include autistic people into their life.
08/09/2019
11:12 pm
Brianna Ramos
It’s crazy to think that in 1937 if anyone exhibited signs that were not “normal” the normal thing to do was to institutionalize them. It’s especially sad and frustrating to read the story of Donald because of the age he was institutionalized and the treatment he experienced. Although Donald’s family and doctors had no idea he had autism, the infuriating part is that they automatically assumed insanity was the cause at the age of 3! I understand that some of Donald’s actions and inactions were worrisome, but his family and doctors should’ve recommended to continue to observe Donald and adapt to his liking.
08/09/2019
11:12 pm
Elizabeth Guardiola
It is also fascinating to see the point of view behind had towards mental illness before they were established. I empathize with the parents of Donald, it must have been difficult seeing their child struggle and having no idea why or how to help. However, Donald has been an inspiration to many. Nowadays, people with Autism are able to live their lives just like everyone else. Although it took years for Donald to lead a normal life, he paved the way for all Autistic children to come.
08/09/2019
11:12 pm
Diamond Estrada
Being the first person diagnosed with autism- Donald had to face a lot of criticism and isolation. I find it hard to believe that at the age of three years old- due to his conditions, he was institutionalized and isolated from everybody, at just three years old! It makes sense as to why his conditions were worsening, they were treating him like a criminal as a toddler. Having read most of these medical articles- it is sad to see what people had to deal with upon asking for help.
25/09/2019
11:12 pm
Kasandra Ramirez Ferrer
In 1937 society was a time were anything different or stuff we didn’t understand was labeled as bad or wrong, this includes people who today we can tell if they have some kind of illness were treated like they were crazy and misunderstood. Autism is one of these diseases, thankfully today is treated as it should be and now people who have it can have a normal life and interact with people without being treated unfairly.
25/09/2019
11:12 pm
Javier Camacho
I think while Autism is something that can feel like the end of the world for someone can be seen as totally opposite to everyone else. I find it amazing how Autistic children all have such a high capacity for what they are doing and their everyday activities. I know many people who are Autistic and are very intelligent as well. And if it weren’t for their somewhat erratic behavior then you would probably never be able to tell that they were Autistic. I feel very proud of Donald for being such a brave person and overcoming his anxiety to travel the world like he is!
27/09/2019
11:12 pm
Maranda Avina
Great article! Back then it is crazy that they would just institutionalize someone for having a disease. Mental Illness was not seen as a disease but it really is. Autism is very close to my heart, many people i know including my stepbrother are dealing with it themselves or someone who is autistic. It can be difficult and hard sometimes to understand someone who is dealing with this disease but by being there for them and aiding them, we are helping them cope and deal with this disease. We can help live their best normal life as much as possible.
30/09/2019
11:12 pm
Sebastian Azcui
Stories like these are really interesting and this article is really well written with lots of details. Back in those times medical advancements were really slow as they did not have too much technology and knowledge. Having a mental disability in those times must have been really hard as doctors do not know how to treat it and do not know why it happens. Now a days people with Autism or other disabilities can have treatments and doctors know how to treat them.
03/11/2019
11:12 pm
Charli Delmonico
I can’t imagine how sad Donald must have been at age 3 to be taken away from his parents and everything he knew to go to some institution where he just continued keeping to himself. It’s good that they finally were able to understand what was really going on with him, rather than just treating him like he chose to be unresponsive. I find it really awesome that he was even able to join a fraternity and be around lots of other guys! He really did overcome so many obstacles in his life, so I’m glad he is receiving recognition for it.
29/08/2019
11:12 pm