Extraordinary Attorney Woo Shines A Light for Kids with ASD
The K-Drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo shows parents that kids with autism can still have healthy and fulfilling careers.
The greatest fear of any parent whose kids have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is what will happen to them in the future. Where will they go? Who will protect and love them when they’re gone? There have been calls for representation among the media to properly portray adults with ASD. But there are only a few that do. However, recent K-Drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo not only is wholesome to watch but relieving for many parents whose kids have ASD.
Tackling the reality and fear of ASD
Woo serves as the narrator, recalling the specific day when her father, Gwang-Ho, discovered that she had ASD. The moment he remarks Woo’s being non-verbal and the doctor shares his suspicion of her being autistic, her father is in a state of shock. However, she breaks her silence when her father is getting attacked. She exhibited first the sign of overstimulation (i.e. hitting herself) before unleashing a boat-load of knowledge about criminal law.
Despite being beaten, her father’s eyes lit up when she finally spoke. That little victory is what every parent looks for in parenting, especially when given heartbreaking news of their child having ASD. Especially when they unlock the key to what their child specializes in. In Woo’s case, it was criminal law.
Extraordinary Attorney Woo and Her Father: The Life of an Adult with ASD
As the series continues, Woo does face prejudices and irrationalities about having ASD. But her father continues to support her. Even indulging the little things such as when he buys something new for her, all traces of the tag are removed. She even has a corkboard that helps her describe her emotions, all with pictures of her father’s face on it.
When she enters the restaurant her father works in, he makes her a Woo Young-woo Gimbap. She then explains how the dish is reliable since it doesn’t “shock” her with unexpected flavors. Nevertheless, he still tries to make sure that she knows how to blend in with other people in society. He reminds her not to repeat what other people say, to keep her bluntness to a minimum, and to stay off the topic of whales.
He still patiently engages her when she asks what happens if the situation calls for it.
The future is not so dark for kids with ASD
ASD is not a death sentence. Rather, it is proof that there is a difference in brain development. Although studies are trying to further find ways to unlock the phenomena of autism, Extraordinary Attorney Woo adds a lighter tone to our uncertainty when thinking about the future of kids with ASD. It’s currently available on Netflix so don’t forget to tune in!
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