‘General Hospital’ Stars Share Their Real-Life Experiences With Autism
A recent storyline on General Hospital focused on autism. Ned Quartermaine has been watching hopelessly as his relationship with his wife, Olivia, has deteriorated. That’s because they were at loggerheads over what to do with their son, Leo. But, what most fans don’t know is that this story has some real-life elements, as well.
A ‘General Hospital’ storyline focused on autism.
Easton Rocket Sweda, who plays Leo on General Hospital, has been exploring the autism storyline through his character. And, according to Soaps.com, the Dec. 28, 2020 episode of the show revealed that Leo was officially diagnosed with autism. Prior to this, the uncertainty of his diagnosis was causing a strain on Ned and Olivia’s relationship.
“Ned and Olivia arrive at the hospital and meet with the doctor, who confirms Leo has Autism Spectrum Disorder,” reports the outlet. “Ned asks what the next step is. The doctor suggests they take time to process this diagnosis and the emotions it may bring. Olivia is afraid this will make Leo’s life more difficult, but the doctor explains an early diagnosis is beneficial to helping Leo adjust and learn how to experience the world.”
The episode was lauded for taking a real, but gentle, approach to autism. But there were a lot of real-life elements in the storyline, too.
Easton Sweda confirmed he has autism, too
Shortly after that episode of General Hospital aired, Easton Sweda (who plays Leo) took to Twitter to share a video message with his followers.
In his video message, Sweda revealed that he has autism as well. He revealed that he couldn’t speak until he was four years old. “Now look at me, I have a cool life,” he said. “And kids with autism are cool.” His video was met with universal applause from General Hospital fans, who thought he was doing a great job on the show. They also said he was very brave to share his story with the world.
Sweda also thanked Lisa LoCicero, who plays Olivia, and Wally Kurth, who plays Ned, for their support. But for soap opera legend Kurth, the autism storyline has a personal element, as well.
Wally Kurth also revealed his son has autism
In 2004, People revealed that the General Hospital star welcomed a son, Brogan George, with his wife Debra. Kurth also has a daughter, Meghann, from a previous relationship with a woman who hasn’t been publicly identified. He also has a daughter named Rosabel Rosalind, who is an artist, from his marriage to The Bold and the Beautiful star Rena Sofer.
But Kurth recently revealed that his teenage son also has autism. “As a parent of a son with ASD, I always say ‘it’s a journey,’” he said on Twitter. “Its unexpected twists and turns have made me a better father, a better man. I wouldn’t trade it.”
The General Hospital stars are inspiring fans all over the world with their stories.
