Could BB ever feature a HM with severe learning difficulties or autism?

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  • big brother 9big brother 9 Posts: 18,152
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    Timalloy84 wrote: »
    A racist, a homophobe, a centurion.

    dont give them ideas, they will be auditioning them next
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 0
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    Possibly in the older days like BB1 - BB4 when a lot of the HM's seemed wiser and could deal with it.

    But could you imagine the likes of idiots like Conor, Ashleigh and Becky being in the same house with someone with learning difficulties? now I know that no learning difficulty is the same but some forms of autism involve someone not knowing how to socialise "normally", and I could just see someone like that being ripped apart.

    I don't know how to explain it really.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 0
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    Considering how little he contributed to storylines I think even coming second was wrong.

    And the fact they fawned all over him like he was the beginning and end of the series yet shat on Rachel for being "boring" was so hypocritical, I mean she was at the epicenter of a lot of the drama in the house.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 1,003
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    Timalloy84 wrote: »
    A racist, a homophobe, a centurion.
    Possibly in the older days like BB1 - BB4 when a lot of the HM's seemed wiser and could deal with it.

    But could you imagine the likes of idiots like Conor, Ashleigh and Becky being in the same house with someone with learning difficulties? now I know that no learning difficulty is the same but some forms of autism involve someone not knowing how to socialise "normally", and I could just see someone like that being ripped apart.

    I don't know how to explain it really.

    Fair point. I think its unlikely that an autistic person would compete, would probably fail the psychologist tests.

    Autism does fall under mental health rather than learning difficulties. Conor and Becky prove that some people without learning difficulties don't know how to behave in public.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 0
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    Timalloy84 wrote: »
    Fair point. I think its unlikely that an autistic person would compete, would probably fail the psychologist tests.

    Autism does fall under mental health rather than learning difficulties. Conor and Becky prove that some people without learning difficulties don't know how to behave in public.

    No brought-upsy that's for sure.
  • bluegroperbluegroper Posts: 11,252
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    Timalloy84 wrote: »
    Most people with learning difficulties don't receive 24 hour care, they usually have 3-4 hours a day, and this is usually for support with shopping and transport. These would not be an issue in the BB house. The only responsibility the other HMs would have would be supporting him/her with cooking, housework etc.

    It is a big mistake in society in thinking that people with autism/aspergers never learn to look out for themselves. As children they require special attention at school, are bullied, need to be travel trained and can never stand up for themselves, even willing to take the blame for something they didn't do. But a lot do end up living a normal life in adulthood where they can cook for themselves and are very intelligent. Who are we to say that someone who suffered autism/aspergers couldn't be a great HM. Pete in BB7 with his tourettes was a great HM even though people thought he shouldn't of been there at the time.

    Again it comes down to auditions and the HM's selected on their merits and not whether they have a disability.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 1,003
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    bluegroper wrote: »
    It is a big mistake in society in thinking that people with autism/aspergers never learn to look out for themselves. As children they require special attention at school, are bullied, need to be travel trained and can never stand up for themselves, even willing to take the blame for something they didn't do. But a lot do end up living a normal life in adulthood where they can cook for themselves and are very intelligent. Who are we to say that someone who suffered autism/aspergers couldn't be a great HM. Pete in BB7 with his tourettes was a great HM even though people thought he shouldn't of been there at the time.

    Again it comes down to auditions and the HM's selected on their merits and not whether they have a disability.

    In that case they wouldn't be considered to have severe special needs then.
  • EnidanEnidan Posts: 13,101
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    I thought it was a well known fact that the majority of housemates either have aspergers or some sort of learning difficulty.
  • Sun Tzu.Sun Tzu. Posts: 19,064
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    Enidan wrote: »
    I thought it was a well known fact that the majority of housemates either have aspergers or some sort of learning difficulty.
    I don't believe that for a second.
  • TheManWhoLaughsTheManWhoLaughs Posts: 7,271
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    They almost cast someone with Aspergers in BB9 (he was in the test house that year) but was too much of a risk to put in.
  • debidebi Posts: 3,288
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    Autism is not affected by IQ but can be associated with Learning Disablity just like any other condition, many on the autism spectrum have no LD and very high IQ's although struggle to deal with everyday events. I know one amazing Aspie who can solve the most complex mathematical problems and has a very high position as a university lecturer yet cannot open his post or cope with change which sends him into meltdown.

    I have Aspergers Syndrome and ADHD, my 5 children are also diagnosed on the autism spectrum so I live it and breathe it, plus I hold a university academic qualification in autism.

    Every single person on the autism spectrum is different, no one is alike. Many think of autism as either 'child rocking in a corner' or 'rain man'. I can assure everyone that there are a million miles inbetween those two pictures and the spectrum is massive.

    Depending on the 'impact' that an individuals differences may have on their lives will determine how they can cope with 'every day life'. Some will struggle more than others.

    People on the autism spectrum have been on Big Brother for years...some diagnosed whilst others still unaware they may exhibit autistic traits. Paula Hamilton is diagnosed Aspergers Syndrome and as you may remember struggled and ended up evicted early on. http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/361597/Paula-Hamilton-A-life-that-spun-out-of-control

    For me the question of whether someone with autism should be a housemate on BB is already answered.

    :)
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 1,003
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    With autism being a spectrum, there's no doubt that there must have been people on it, who are on the spectrum.
  • debidebi Posts: 3,288
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    Timalloy84 wrote: »
    With autism being a spectrum, there's no doubt that there must have been people on it, who are on the spectrum.

    As sure as night follows day!:)
  • quasimoronquasimoron Posts: 20,996
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    I also believe we have had HM's who exhibit some milder autistic traits or mild learning/social difficulties. We can all think of one or two.
    The pressure of the house can be too much for people without these extra difficulties, so I cant imagine how hard it would be for anyone with serious learning problems or social integration issues. It would be very unfair to expose them to the criticism or ridicule HM's regularly get and the aftermath would affect them more.
    BB IMo would not be suitable.
  • VeriVeri Posts: 96,996
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    Timalloy84 wrote: »
    With autism being a spectrum, there's no doubt that there must have been people on it, who are on the spectrum.

    Do you think the spectrum is so broad that almost everyone is on it somewhere? (If not, then why do you think there's no doubt?)
  • debidebi Posts: 3,288
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    Veri wrote: »
    Do you think the spectrum is so broad that almost everyone is on it somewhere? (If not, then why do you think there's no doubt?)

    Paula Hamilton was diagnosed. The latest research studies show that 1:38 is the likely prevalence with figures set to increase.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 1,003
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    Veri wrote: »
    Do you think the spectrum is so broad that almost everyone is on it somewhere? (If not, then why do you think there's no doubt?)

    People with Dyslexia or Dyspraxia are on the autistic spectrum, but these have no direct affect on peoples ability to socialise. I'm sure someone with Dyslexia has been in there, but I'm struggling to remember who.
  • CLL DodgeCLL Dodge Posts: 115,627
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    They (bb) seem to want every other minority in the house. What other minority is left to go in?
    Timalloy84 wrote: »
    A racist, a homophobe, a centurion.
    don't give them ideas, they will be auditioning them next

    They've already done the first 2. Might have trouble finding a centurion.
  • hippychickxxxhippychickxxx Posts: 1,125
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    CLL Dodge wrote: »
    They've already done the first 2. Might have trouble finding a centurion.

    bib real trouble, there haven't been any roman soldiers in britain since the 4th century ;) im sure there are a few eccentric centenarians who would apply if they thought they could get in tho :D
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 1,003
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    CLL Dodge wrote: »
    They've already done the first 2. Might have trouble finding a centurion.

    I don't think anyones been openly racist or homophobic.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 329
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    k0213818 wrote: »
    I can certainly see somebody with Asperger's being a contestant at some point. I believe they had a contestant with Asperger's on a season of ANTM and she went on to be one of the most popular ever.

    Yes! Heather I think her name was.
    With ANTM though, there wasn't as much of a focus on trying to portray her in a certain way- we saw the good and the bad sides of her personality really. I feel like on BB they try and portray the people with some kind of disability as being almost saint like (Pete and Mikey and to a lesser extent, Steve). In the context of this show I don't think the producers know how to handle it.
  • EnidanEnidan Posts: 13,101
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    CLL Dodge wrote: »
    They've already done the first 2. Might have trouble finding a centurion.

    Yes the horse half may sruggle.
  • jazzydrury3jazzydrury3 Posts: 27,021
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    Interesting post as ive always wanted to audition, but due to my disability i dont think id cope.

    Im a cerebral palsy sufferer confined to my wheelchair, and have emotional and depression.

    I would be able to get around and do most tasks myself, but like the worksurface in the kitchen would have to have no cupboards, so i could slide my chair underneath.

    Outside to the garden would need ramping, toilets would need to be bigger.

    Bedroom i would probably be able to cope with, but i would need to be able to get my chair to the side.

    My main issue would be if i got upset, or if anybody was nasty towards me, or someone who i made friends with in there.

    Id cry, and shut myself down, and when i get upset, i stay upset, if somebody was particularly nasty to me, id be likely to chuck a cup or something.

    If i got nominated, id get emotional again, but probably really take it out on people
  • debidebi Posts: 3,288
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    Interesting post as ive always wanted to audition, but due to my disability i dont think id cope.

    Im a cerebral palsy sufferer confined to my wheelchair, and have emotional and depression.

    I would be able to get around and do most tasks myself, but like the worksurface in the kitchen would have to have no cupboards, so i could slide my chair underneath.

    Outside to the garden would need ramping, toilets would need to be bigger.

    Bedroom i would probably be able to cope with, but i would need to be able to get my chair to the side.

    My main issue would be if i got upset, or if anybody was nasty towards me, or someone who i made friends with in there.

    Id cry, and shut myself down, and when i get upset, i stay upset, if somebody was particularly nasty to me, id be likely to chuck a cup or something.

    If i got nominated, id get emotional again, but probably really take it out on people

    You sound as though you know your limitations and abilities extremely well. I too would not be able to cope. Real life is tricky enough without adding to it! Think it's best sensitive folk like us watch from the safety of our own homes :)
  • apinkprincess3apinkprincess3 Posts: 1,385
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    bluegroper wrote: »
    People with Asperger's can go on to live perfectly normal lives and should be considered. Growing up may be extremely difficult, they put up with a lot of bullying, they need special attention during schooling and do not socialise well. But as adults there is no reason to be excluded from the BB audition process and the application should be judged on their merits. :)

    I had this problem at school it was a battlefield,I have aspergers and often wondered about auditioning but theres certain things I couldnt do like sleep in the pitch dark stay up all hours id enjoy the tasks though lol
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