Alex Plank
Alex Plank | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation(s) | autism advocate, film consultation, filmmaker |
| Known for | creating Wrong Planet, consulting and acting on FX's The Bridge |
Alexander "Alex" Plank (born 1986) is an autism advocate, filmmaker, actor, and the creator of Wrong Planet. He is known for his consulting work on FX's The Bridge. After being diagnosed at the age of 9 with Asperger's Syndrome, Plank started Wrong Planet in order to find others like him on the Internet.[1] After the popularity of Wrong Planet grew, Plank has been frequently mentioned in the mainstream media in articles relating to Autism, Asperger's, and Autism rights.[2][3][4]
Wrong Planet and Autism Talk TV
Alex Plank's story regarding the founding of Wrong planet is covered in the special education curriculum of many universities in the United States. A page is dedicated to Alex Plank and his story in a textbook used by various universities such as the University of Virginia and George Mason University for introduction to special education courses.[1][5][6][7]
In 2010, Plank started an Internet television program called Autism Talk TV. The venture is sponsored by Autism Speaks.[8] Rosie O'Donnell and John Elder Robison talked about the show on Rosie Radio[9] A front page article from The New York Times, entitled "Navigating Love and Autism," written by Amy Harmon, was published in December 2011 about the romantic relationship between his two autistic co-hosts Jack Robison and Kirsten Lindsmith. Alex Plank, Wrong Planet, and Autism Talk TV were discussed.[10]
Work in Film and Television
Alex Plank serves as a consultant for the TV series The Bridge and works with Diane Kruger on developing her character.[11] He made his on-screen acting debut in the finale of season one, playing the role of the intern at the El Paso Times.[12] Diane Kruger stated that Plank was on set every day, would go to the writers room, and was "instrumental" to both her performance and to the writers, as he would also work with the writers in the writers room. [13] [14] Kruger also stated that, while working on the show, she spent more time with Plank than with her partner and friends. [15]
Plank travelled to France in February 2012 to direct a documentary exposé, entitled Shameful, concerning the way in which autism is viewed and treated in France. The film is currently in post-production and has been covered by publications in both France and the United States, including L'Express and Vivre FM, a radio station in Paris. A trailer was released in July, 2012.[16] Along with French activist David Heurtevent, Plank founded Autism Rights Watch, an NGO for which he serves as president.[17]
In 2006, Alex Plank was sued by the victims of a 19-year-old member of the site, William Freund,[18] who shot two people and himself in Aliso Viejo, California.[19] Plank appeared on Good Morning America and Fox News discussing the incident.
Public Speaking
Plank gave the keynote speech at the Autism Society of America's national conference in 2010.[20][21][22]
External links
- Alex Plank at IMDb
References
- ^ a b Hallahan, Dan (2006). Exceptional Learners: Introduction to Special Education (10th Edition). Allyn & Bacon. p. 452. ISBN 0-205-44421-0.
- ^ Deardorff, Julie (2008-05-11). "Some Autistics Don't want to be Cured". Chicago Tribune.
- ^ The New Wave of Autism Rights Activists - New York Magazine
- ^ Harris, Lynn (2008-09-18). "The "Retarded" Renaissance". Salon.
- ^ The Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia
- ^ George Mason University
- ^ http://oregonstate.edu/education/programs/syllabi/COUN548.doc
- ^ Marc Sirkin (March 15, 2008). "Introducing Autism Talk TV". Autism Speaks.
- ^ Rosie Radio, September 9, 2010
- ^ Harmon, Amy. Navigating Love and Autism "The New York Times", December 26, 2011
- ^ Guthrie, Marisa (August 2, 2013). "'The Bridge' EPs and Stars Talk Asperger's, Tweaks in Season 2". The Hollywood Reporter.
- ^ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2920010/fullcredits?ref_=tt_cl_sm#cast
- ^ Guthrie, Marisa (2013-08-02). "'The Bridge' EPs and Stars Talk Asperger's, Tweaks in Season 2". The Hollywood Reporter.|
- ^ Goldman, Eric (2013-08-06). "The Bridge Producers and Diane Kruger on Sonya's Asperger's". IGN.|
- ^ Dale, David (2013-07-27). "From Rain Man to The Bridge -- the art of Aspergacting". Sydney Morning Herald.|
- ^ Didier, Arthur "Shameful", la honte, le documentaire choc réalisé Alex Plank et Noah Trevino sur l'autisme en France July 16, 2012
- ^ Pignard, Magali Autisme : une ONG intervient sur le sol français pour dénoncer la responsabilité de l’État. September 27, 2012
- ^ Hann, Michael. A loaded discussion. The Guardian, November 14, 2005. Retrieved on 2008-03-07.
- ^ Tran, Mia Relatives sue over shotgun slayings "Los Angeles Times", November 18, 2006
- ^ "Making Connections Online" (Keynote speech).
- ^ Autism Society's 41st National Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorders: Keynote: Making Connections Online: Communicating through Blogs and Online Communities
- ^ Autism Society Conference Keynote with Alex Plank — LBnuke