Speaking is Not Communication - Autism does not Speak

My response to parents and professionals seeking to cure autism. I believe that curing autism is harmful, not only to the individual, but to humanity as a whole. Autism is a valid form of existence, a different way to experience life, not a disease. Yes, it has it's difficulties, it's problems, it's ups and downs; but then, doesn't every life?
We need to accept that and accommodate for differences, for everyone.




(and yes, I made two mistakes in the video, "is" instead of "if" at one point, and it should be "unjust" instead of "injust")

The song is "Your Hand in Mine" by Explosions in the Sky

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• autism
• asperger
• syndrome
• speaking
• communication
• liberation
• movement
• human
• rights
• cure
• vaccines
• spectrum
• disorders
• speaks
• McCarthy
• thimerosal
• mercury

[SepherStar]

I have AS and verbal communication is not a strong point for me as well, however, I do not consider AS and autism the same. Similar, but not the same. Children with autism have profound language delays, many never acquiring language in any useful form, and this probably leads to secondary developmental affects. I believe the neurological reason behind this initial language delay is absent in those with AS.

I do not believe in "curing" AS. But autism is a different story.

[zikasilver1]

@SepherStar I'll have to disagree, given that AS is a part of the Autism spectrum. I would like to see your references to your claim that many autistics never acquire "language in any useful form", as typing, sign language and writing are forms of language and communication, and I have found many autistics who do not speak to use them. I have also found that I have the same disabilities, strengths and weaknesses as Autistic people. Professionals and parents have found this as well.

[SepherStar]

@zikasilver1 I said "many" not "all", nor did I say "most".

[zikasilver1]

@SepherStar Still, I'd like to see exactly how you came to the conclusion that a large number of autistics "never [acquire] language in any useful form".

Also, this still does not invalidate the fact that Asperger's is a part of the Autism spectrum, and thus, is autism. The same characteristics apparent in Autism Disorder is the same as in Asperger's. As noted, the only difference is the onset of language, and even that is inconsistent, and thus not a qualifying difference.

[capnmort]

Ooh, I like this one too.

[zikasilver1]

Thanks ^.^

[mover86]

Wrong. How can someone who does not have Autism, know more about Autism than someone who is actually experiencing it? "Knowledge" and "Facts" are not the same as Experience.

If only by following the examples of people with Autism, us "normal" humans could learn a lot about love and freedom. And people like you could learn to be a tad more understanding of such people. Brain damaged? No. Gifted? Yes. I myself have learned from those I have worked with. I thank them for it.

[SirenoftheSouth]

Support Neurodiversity! We are Differently Abled, not Disabled! We are humans just like you! ~Bee~(Autistic)

[AutisticWhoLives4God]

I'm so glad I clicked on this. I can relate to you very much. I completely agree with you. I love this video. It is super.

[gogirl341]

Thank you very much. I cried while watching this. I have a son who has high functioning autism and i feel its my place on earth to teach people that he has a difference, not a disability. YOU HAVE JUST SAID EXACTLY WHAT IS IN MY HEART. A person at church told me not to worry that God will fix him..... fix what??? there is nothing to fix. He is perfect just as he is. His autism helps make him the beautiful person he is and i am proud to share part of my life with him.

[gogirl341]

Thank you very much. I cried while watching this. I have a son who has high functioning autism and i feel its my place on earth to teach people that he has a difference, not a disability. YOU HAVE JUST SAID EXACTLY WHAT IS IN MY HEART. A person at church told me not to worry that God will fix him..... fix what??? there is nothing to fix. He is perfect just as he is. His autism helps make him the beautiful person he is and i am proud to share part of my life with him. He has differences only.

[wojcikfaith]

Corina that was awesome! I am a teachers aide and work with elementary age children with autism. I love those children.....JUST THE WAY THEY ARE! You made me cry when I watched it. It was unbelievable how well you read my mind. My "kids" are a work of art, each unique and beautiful the way God made them. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feeling with the world, you are amazing!

[AnElephantThatPaints]

My disabilities give me character and have helped me become a better person. I would not even change them through a magical pill, yet I would try overcoming them with the longer way.

Chelsea

[1pinetree]

Yes, communication .... is different from speaking.. thank you for making this beautiful video.