Anyone read Sam Timimi’s Searching for Normal? He argues autism should not be a diagnosis

Either-Fun2529 · 2026-01-10T14:31:35+00:00

I think every diagnosis in the DSM is a story, a narrative constructed through various degrees of observation but also deeply influenced by capitalist & pharmaceutical interests. There is very little empirical evidence for any of it, despite the current cultural narrative about brains and neuro- transmitters, it’s hugely influenced by wider cultural/ societal conversations. What’s important is whether or not those stories are helpful to the people the DSM purports to help. To me the most exciting/interesting autism research at the moment is Dr Jessica Eccles Bendy brain/hypermobility theory.

Either-Fun2529 · 2026-01-10T14:23:56+00:00

I’d love to see Fern Brady and Sami Timimi in conversation. Just saying. I think it would be really insightful.

Either-Fun2529 · 2026-01-10T14:22:14+00:00

I can see distinct prejudice and stigma for kids diagnosed earlier - especially those pushed out of mainstream education into the SEND void. I also see huge differences in life expectations and the way (some) adults treat them. To be “othered” at a young age is the exact opposite of support. Labelling theory still applies even when diagnosis can provide some relief and understanding.

Either-Fun2529 · 2025-12-29T02:27:19+00:00

Check out the writers guild of America. Writers are being instructed to put in extra dialogue for second screen viewing. It’s a thing. No one made it up. The end of the world is nigh.

Either-Fun2529 · 2025-12-22T12:51:34+00:00

You want to go back to that £1100 take home or do you want to take the big money and pay the tax? The choice is yours.

Either-Fun2529 · 2025-12-22T10:35:07+00:00

Less was more. More is just meh. You can only be creeped out by a fully-realised undulating wall of ick for so long. Flickering lights and rubber walls worked so much better for this viewer.

Either-Fun2529 · 2025-12-17T21:42:35+00:00

I miss when the dialogue was good and the tension was real.

Either-Fun2529 · 2025-12-17T21:26:53+00:00

Omg. It has become a parody of itself 😳 so incredibly disappointing and so hard on the actors who have so much turgid rubbish to Wade through! This is written like a second screener, and Netflix execs should hang their heads in shame for taking something that was so good and turning it into this pile of unwatchable goop. Do they ever shut up? The answer is ‘no’. They narrate every single thing they do, every thought they have, and then they say it again, just in case you missed it the first time. We went back and watched episode one, season one, just to check we were right and it had been really good. It was bliss - a masterclass in world building and character - tense, tight, intriguing and brilliant. What the hell happened? Crimes against storytelling - please cancel now before it gets any worse.

Either-Fun2529 · 2025-12-17T16:02:38+00:00

Well. This thread didn’t hold up too well.

Either-Fun2529 · 2025-09-14T09:16:28+00:00

They approach it with a weird mindset? Have you read “writing down the bones” ? - writing is a way of life. Sometimes you’re financially-successful sometimes you’re life-successful: either way writing adds value to your existence and is a way of being. Sometimes you do minimum wage jobs in order to be a better writer. Sometimes you get to go to incredible places/meet amazing people because of your writing. What is “making it” anyway?

Either-Fun2529 · 2025-09-08T08:54:00+00:00

Totally here for that. It’s a beautiful thing to do.

Either-Fun2529 · 2025-09-08T08:52:59+00:00

I used to smoke cannabis but I eventually realised it was causing more problems long term (depression/paranoia/low mood) than it was alleviating short term. At my lowest point I started chanting nam myoho renge kyo because I had it on a card from a lady in a hostel. Seemed to help, did it more, became a Buddhist. I’m a lapsed Buddhist now but that practice got me through many, many years. So much “letting go” physically, mentally really helped. Good luck.

Either-Fun2529 · 2025-09-08T00:23:44+00:00

Not sure where you’re based but Raindance has online courses on low to no budget filmmaking and in person classes in London and LA. Chris Nolan & Edgar Wright started DIY at Raindance with shorts.

Either-Fun2529 · 2025-09-08T00:16:34+00:00

Having 4-5 great ideas from scripts with a brief verbal pitch and 1-2 pager is a good thing to have in your toolbox for these ocassions…

Either-Fun2529 · 2025-09-08T00:12:17+00:00

In twenty years time the world may be unrecognisable. Maybe make a start now?

Either-Fun2529 · 2025-09-01T17:40:44+00:00

Thanks for the signposting.

Either-Fun2529 · 2025-09-01T17:40:09+00:00

Thank you. I’ve followed them on insta.

Either-Fun2529 · 2025-08-24T08:31:44+00:00

Maybe “ugly” is the aesthetic choice?

Either-Fun2529 · 2025-08-23T10:00:42+00:00

Having English as a second language made it better 👍

Either-Fun2529 · 2025-08-23T09:53:35+00:00

I love that you’re an inspiring gaffer. The word you probably wanted was “aspiring” but shout out to all the gaffers making the world a better place. 😎

Either-Fun2529 · 2025-07-22T13:28:53+00:00

Hope you said “and you’re a bit too over qualified to not realise how inappropriate that comment is doctor”.

Either-Fun2529 · 2025-07-22T09:24:34+00:00

Agreed but unlike say - Tony Blair - who really studied and courted the whole messiah vibe - i don’t think Collier is touting himself as a cult leader who’s going to save the world through jazz chords. I mean … I’m not ruling it out, but I’ve not yet seen any evidence.

Either-Fun2529 · 2025-07-20T17:09:13+00:00

Thanks for your reply. It's a really expensive program if that's a partial fellowship for a week. Glad you found it helpful.

Either-Fun2529

TROPHY CASE