Is Budoy sending the wrong signals?
The ongoing television soap “Budoy” touted itself as the “first advocacy serye’’. After all, it had this noble intention of spreading awareness on children with special needs (CSN) and teaching the public that CSNs have the right to be properly educated and accepted by society.
This is where the problem starts.
THE TRUTH ABOUT THE CONDITION
The show is about Budoy, played by actor Gerald Anderson. Budoy is mentally challenged, having been born with Angelman Syndrome (AS) after he was conceived through artificial insemination. He is a part of the Maniego clan, a family of doctors.
Angelman Syndrome is a rare neuro-genetic disorder named after English pediatrician Dr. Harry Angelman who first described the syndrome in 1965. A genetic condition, AS is characterized by severe intellectual disability, speech impediment, sleep disturbance, unstable jerky gait, seizures and usually a happy demeanor.
People who suffer from this condition likewise have common facial features, such as a wide smiling mouth, a thin upper lip, and deep set eyes. More than half have low levels of pigmentation in their eyes, hair, and skin.
From the definition of the condition, there are already some inconsistencies in its depiction in the show, special education experts observed. First, since the condition is genetic, it means that it is genetically transferred from either parents who carry the condition in their genes.
According to developmental paediatrician Dr. Tippy Tanchanco, there are no recorded studies that there are other causes of AS. Any medical procedure, such as artificial insemination, which is how Budoy was conceived, does not cause AS.
“There are no studies that link the cause of AS to artificial insemination. It is a genetic condition, so it’s a hereditary condition, although rare. If there is, it is just incidental, which can also happen,” she explains.
Budoy’s ability to speak many words and his ability to think and react to situations are also depicted wrongly in the TV series. Studies say that people with AS usually have limited vocabulary. Some may only speak up to only 10 words.
“Most individuals with AS have severe developmental delays, speech limitations, and motor difficulties.
Early diagnosis, early individualized intervention programs in special education and therapies are very crucial in improving their quality of life,” explains special education teacher Yolanda Bautista.
Children suffering from AS must undergo proper intervention to improve their mental ability. However Budoy, who did not undergo any early intervention at all, has the ability to communicate and think like a high functioning person with special needs.
AWARENESS FOR THE WRONG REASONS
Dr. Tanchanco and Bautista have already received feedbacks from patients and parents of children with special needs. These people are asking if what is happening to Budoy can also happen to their sons/daughters. “Parents of my patients with developmental disabilities like cerebral palsy, mental retardation, autism, etc. are asking me if their children can also become smart like Budoy,” Dr. Tanchanco relates.
Although SpEd teacher Bautista admits that the show is helping make people aware of the condition of children with special needs, it is awarenesss for the wrong reasons.
Its recent twist, one where Budoy has magically become a genius, seems to be sending the wrong signals to the public.
One episode showed Budoy getting involved in an accident where he hits his head after a lightning almost hit him. After being in a coma for a few days, Budoy starts to improve dramatically and begins having “normal episodes” wherein he can talk and think straight. His mannerisms begin to mellow and he is becoming more and more “normal’’ than before.
Dr. Tanchanco says that she has never heard of a person with AS who has developed skills after a head injury. She says that this is less unlikely because chances are, a traumatic injury like that can actually cause the person to lose some skills and abilities and not gain some.
There are cases wherein people with developmental disability suddenly develop a skill after an injury. However, such skill usually regresses and disappears just as suddenly as they appeared.
SAVANTS AND THEIR LIMITATIONS
Although Bautista says that there are people with special needs, especially the ones in the autism spectrum, that have outstanding abilities, such abilities are isolated to one specific skill.
“In the special education field, individuals who manifest spectacular talents despite serious mental or physical disability are called savants.
Savant syndrome is an exceedingly rare, but extraordinary, condition in which persons with serious mental disabilities or mental illness have astonishing ‘islands of genius’ that is in marked contrast to their overall handicap. It is estimated that about 50 percent of the cases of savant syndrome are from the autistic population,” Bautista explains.
ADVOCACY AND REALITY
Bautista stresses that if it is indeed an advocacy serye, then it must not deviate from what is happening in reality. “If your advocacy is pushing for something, then you don’t need to add cinematic effects. It actually defeats the purpose of being an advocacy show,” she states.
Bautista says that this is especially true to parents who are not knowledgeable in the field. “People watching the show are very impressionable that is why it is easy for them to believe that what is happening in the show can happen in real life.”
Moreover, Bautista says that the show has a negative effect in schooling CSN. She is receiving reports that these children are being bullied in school and are teased and being called “Budoy” because of their condition.
“I receive reports that there are CSN in regular schools that are being bullied because of their condition. I don’t think that’s what the show is aiming for,” she says.
LABEL IT AS FICTION
For Dr. Tanchanco and Bautista, it is okay to have a show like this if it is clearly labelled as fiction. Calling itself as an advocacy serye requires more research and better depictions of reality.
“If it’s fiction, it’s okay but if you’re advocating for something, kailangan realistic ang expectations. If you want to advocate for something, kailangan factual and appropriate research. Let’s not claim it for what it is not,” Dr. Tanchaco says.
“Actually, nasasayangan ako sa show, sayang lang ‘yung medium ng media. It’s not pushing for the advocacy of special education. Instead of art imitating life, it has become life imitating art. Nakukulangan ako sa advocacy serye,” Bautista says.
By ANGELO G. GARCIA
mb.com.ph
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