PEDIATRICS, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Dec. 17, 2024

Autistic youth need to be heard. Many have a difficult time speaking and are informally called "nonspeakers." Too often, nonspeakers like me don't get share our thoughts even though we lots say. We aren't broken or puzzles unravel. are, however, thoughtful smart. may not communicate others do, but voices that deserve I'd use my voice what being nonspeaker means me.I'm nonspeaker. I can say few things, consistently always in the way intend. That's part of reason was diagnosed with autism. hated diagnosis until recently, because felt label suggested wasn't long struggled autism is presented: disease problem solved. But see as having brain body work differently. tell mom doctors help with, it's never It's reflux gas, anxiety mania—symptoms dealt by many. It often forever before would address them for me. They focused on they saw problem, problem.What's caused more confusion labeled "nonverbal." This felt, me, people thought incapable understanding language. language has been an issue talking struggle millions other smart autistic people.1 Struggles shouldn't seen lack intelligence, feeling, caring. appreciate intelligence feel care about us, too.To "fixing" struggles speech isn't some miracle drug "cure." terrifies think all families frantically pursuing wishful treatments, many no basis evidence.2 remember like, it nightmare; taxing both family. Our lives were overwhelmed pitching new therapies diets. focus making happy, calm, positioned succeed own terms. Instead, fit into somebody else's conception "normal."Making children should "fix." could involve medications therapies, this vary from person person. "Fixes" respect humanity individuality youth. Rigid thinking won't anyone. Rather, treatment individualized education plans tailored they're for. For successful treatments needs wants, helping someone else. helped belly pain, anxiety, mania, terms.For example, consider types therapy ask name specific thing point picture, assuming those who can't just understand understand. saying pointing take motor skills us have. Either better at looking presume competence; assume know images find through whatever mode communication works best us.3,4 attest difference makes.Real turning points life came when presumed competence sought ways listen (and hear) voice. In first grade, aide realized write her help. reading butterflies, she started asking questions. reached pencil, framed hand, suddenly communicate! wrote everything got meaningfully participate elementary school. Easy, boring replaced algebra oceanography. Everyone finally understood wanted spoken any child, had No aggravating baby talk grown-ups…such relief.The next major learning spell using letterboard type keyboard. found success methods teaching control where their eyes then looking. Those things sound easy you, so hard tasks took hand-eye coordination. All hating miserable flashcards experience avoided if taught how look point. horse was—OF COURSE KNEW WHAT A HORSE WAS!Soon I'll hit another point: graduating high I'm realizing there mentors mine equipped powerful skills. At each weekly sessions, amazing therapist lifesaver listens. therapy, dad supports write, "talk" makes angry anxious. She gives tools strategies handle without getting overwhelmed. Rarely these kinds conversations option nonspeakers, transformative.I important trusts type, spell. right communicate. established United Nations (UN) 1948. The UN recognizes "that ability basic human right" everyone potential communicate" "access support need" choice.5,6 However, reality most denied forced learn forms us. Alternatives such writing, spelling, typing, signing must top priority.Another "fix" purposeful movement: physical activity controlled logic conscious thought.7 energy radiating out processes lightning speed race. Gaining over helps slow down. why hiking. I've hiking Appalachian Trail (AT) since 2020 already hiked 1363 miles Virginia Vermont. am committed AT. When finish AT summit Mount Katahdin, will doing everywhere!Finally, want highlight empathy everything. health professionals ones heard best. treated listened concerns ideas, despite used communicating nonspeakers. symptoms mattered (like mania). Empathy pivotal ensuring need. Listen voices; heard!Thanks Miss Virginia, Mrs G, Mimi, Dr Ernie, Boyle, Sainath, Heather, awesome family!

Language: Английский