Comments on: Autism in Korea and Seung-Hui Cho

By: Diane Rapp

Diane Rapp — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:51:28 +0000

Thank you Kristina!

By: Kristina Chew, PhD

Kristina Chew, PhD — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 22:34:10 +0000

I still have to see it—now will have to, just in time to get started running with Charlie….. Here’s an article from 2005 mentioning the man whom Yoon Cho-Won’s story was based on, Bae Hyong-Jin—he ran in a historic half-marathon held by the two Koreas.

By: Diane Rapp

Diane Rapp — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 21:32:30 +0000

I have now viewed the movie and am searching for more information on YOON Cho-Won’s progress. He seemed to make a breakthrough, not only in accomplishment, but in theory of mind, through the experience of training for and running in the marathon. I’d like to know how his world unfolded beyond that experience…
This is a beautiful movie which could bring more understanding to families struggling with the needs of children/adults with ASD if it was more widely viewed in the States.

By: Richard

Richard — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 01:49:54 +0000

http://www.hanbooks.com is the best site to use (since they have a U.S. distributor).

Most easily searchable under the name Marathon (with the “h”) or even “Running Boy” (which is how they are selling the movie in the U.S.).

The Running Boy edition is suitable for U.S. DVD players (region 3), tho both editions have English subtitles. The Korean version cannot be played in a DVD player purchased in the U.S. but it can certainly be played on computer.

Running Boy: Limited Collector’s Edition + OST CD (Region-3 / … $34.65
Running Boy: Limited Collector’s Edition + OST CD (Region-3 / 3 Disc Box) Korean Title: Mal-A-Ton / Marathon Starring: Jo Seung-Woo, Kim Mi-Suk, Lee Gi-Young Director: Jeong …

Running Boy (Region-3 / 2 Disc Set) $27.00
Korean Title: Mal-A-Ton / Marathon Starring: Jo Seung-Woo, Kim Mi-Suk, Lee Gi-Young Director: Jeong …

By: Diane Rapp

Diane Rapp — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:26:23 +0000

I am taking a class on autism at the University of Virginia’s campus in Falls Church and need a copy of “Malaton”, the Korean movie referenced in Dr. Grinker’s book, “Unstrange Minds”. Does anyone know where I can find this?

By: Julie

Julie — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 16:45:51 +0000

In selective mutism a child will speak fine at home with their parents but not around others. That’s why it’s called “selective” mutism. Cho would not speak even with his parents. Selective mutism does not make a person “cold” and unaffectionate either. Cho never hugged his parents. And when a person with selective mutism does speak they don’t have a flat affect. Cho had every autistic characteristic I can think of and many of them were quite obvious. It shocks me how many professionals still lack an understanding of high functioning autism. It is upsetting to me because when they miss it or misdiagnose it they hurt those who have it.

By: Seung-Hui Cho’s Diagnosis: Selective Mutism

Seung-Hui Cho’s Diagnosis: Selective Mutism — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 05:44:04 +0000

[...] that Cho might have had autism sparked a lot of discussion: Would autism be linked inextricably with terrible, violent behavior [...]

By: Nancy Liccione

Nancy Liccione — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 23:46:40 +0000

To Kristina Chew,PhD.
Thank you for your kindness and understanding. This most likely is one of the solutions to a wide spread problem. It is also a great kindness to open a dialog for those who would love to make a difference. I at one point hired a civil rights lawyer to help with enforcement with The Americans with Disabilities Act, on behalf of my child who is both disabled and gifted. It worked only partially in terms of backing the new school district down. Now even reminding school officials of this law is almost treated as a joke. I am looking forward to the unusual but insightful opinion on the Americans with Disabilities Act by Penn and Teller. This will air next week. This week the topic was illegal immigration, and money spent to build a wall. The title of the show is Penn and Teller Bullsh*t.

To David Cullen;
I believe the Columbine depositions were suppressed for a number of reasons. In the Cho family’s case the circumstances are somewhat different. From a news media standpoint here is a good opportunity to shed some light on something our society wants to look away from. Our disabled community is the largest group of those discriminated against and their families also bear the brunt of this.If this turns into a media feeding frenzy on the Cho family, they will be also forced into a retreat of silence. The surviving Cho family needs to have a safe and compassionate place to speak about their loss,perhaps with an advocate or lawyer present. In the Columbine situation the teenagers involved (both attackers) were minors. Blame speculation was cast. I do not feel that the Cho family is at fault in any way. They also lost a loved one and media must not loose site of this. Legally, this is a law enforcement investigation so the Cho family must be allowed to protect their family members memory.Fear of the disabled will further compound a problem that is already a disgrace. Perhaps that is where media must investigate.

By: Kristina Chew, PhD

Kristina Chew, PhD — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 05:09:58 +0000

Nancy, I really appreciate reading your thoughts here—-how can any of us who are parents of children with special needs, of children who are different in ways that our society does not know how to address—not have strong and impassioned responses to these topics? I’m more than with you about seeing teachers as “on the front lines”; I’m all for doing all that we can to support them. I don’t think you’ve come across as a bully at all—but indeed as someone who cares deeply, very deeply.

Thank you for the movie suggestion—–

By: Nancy Liccione

Nancy Liccione — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 04:45:31 +0000

I sound so harsh about something so close to my heart that it hurts. To all on this site I apologize for anything that appears harsh or rude. I am puzzled and learning too. I know many are dealing with similar issues to my own experiences. Anything to do with the mind or nervous system is very difficult to unravel. Autism has been to my understanding, one of the more difficult.It bears a pain that is in someways unique.There are many disorders that need understanding and empathy. I also believe that in special education the teachers are on the front line of the heartbreak of all disabilities.I strongly believe that those who teach the disabled must be educated at the Phd. level and also prove competence in empathetic behavior towards their students. Additionally these teachers should be highly paid for their hard work. A teacher with hands on experience in their own home is a great asset. Also, any child and their family can be helped with networking with the PROPER mental health community.Perhaps not cured, But the pain lessoned for all.Cho was a high functioner(deserved credit for this, and perhaps his family too), but the tragedy must stop there. My thoughts go to all the damaged lives involved. I do not ever want to see any more news stories like this ,anywhere.I hope for understanding all around.
On the lighter side of things,in a way, saw a wonderful movie that addressed many issues in a Hollywood way. It addresses selective mutism, ect..I would recommend watching it.It has Anthony Hopkins in it, and the title is INSTINCT.Primal, thoughtful,and trying for the truth about all.
Again, my apologies, I never want to appear as a bully, only as some one who wants to help.