I live a surreal life in Autismland. I work so hard and I struggle all day to manage daily in school. Still, I struggle to be welcomed. I push against the door to be let in to have a decent education, but I get in and find I’m still stuck outside. What do I mean? I mean it’s not easy to struggle against attitude. Maybe I need to develop a sense of humor about it. Maybe I’m too sensitive for my own good.
I gave a talk yesterday. A lot of my writings were read. In the Question and Answers at the end a nice lady asked if I really understood everything. Then after she was told yes, she incredulously repeated, “Everything?” The funny thing is, if I write smart ideas I must understand English, right? In the moment I felt mad, I must admit, but now I don’t. I believe she expressed the doubt of many, actually, especially if she is a special educator or something like that. I’m sure I don’t fit the model that people expect for a limited-verbal, hand-flapping oddball. Ha ha. I laugh at myself too.
I have to assume that I kind of challenge assumptions about autistic people. I have to prove to people over and over that I really am communicating. They stand next to me, or behind me, or near me, and watch me type or point on the letter board. They find I move my own arm, react to their questions, and communicate for real. How many people have I done this for? OMG, it seems like thousands, but it is only dozens and dozens and dozens and dozens…
They are professionals, and parents, and friends of my parents, and I have to prove myself to everyone so they know I am smart. I get it and I accept it. Maybe I need to get a movie of me typing we can put it on an i-phone and show them. Then I won’t have to be observed like that. On the other hand, it is fun to see their skepticism vanish. I have sat with medical doctors, neuro-scientists, psychologists, and skeptics of all kinds. After a few minutes they stop doubting and I can relax. I suppose I need to laugh, but it’s the people who assume I don’t communicate or don’t do my own work that bug me most of all.
OK, that’s my rant for today.
I am an autistic guy with a message. I spent the first half of my life completely trapped in silence. The second - on becoming a free soul. I had to fight to get an education. Now I am a regular education student. I communicate by typing on an iPad or a letter board. My book, "Ido in Autismland" is now available on Amazon. It is an autism diary, telling the story of my symptoms, education, and journey into communication. I hope to help other autistic people find a way out of their silence too.
Hi Ido. I am wondering if you were referring to the woman's comment at Temple Etz Chaim. I'm thinking you were. It's funny that you would write about that because after we left, my husband asked if I thought you were upset about that. He thought you would be. I said I wasn't sure but maybe. So, now we know that you were, but you also understand it. My husband is now writing the following: "First of all I would like to thank you for sharing your frustration about being captured in a world where you are not seen as equal. I hope you have patience with us, i.e. the adult world who cannot see beyond the surface. I hope and wish that technology will enable you and your peers to communicate with the rest of us, in a easier way. Thank you for coming and sharing a glimpse of your life with us. It was very enriching and inspiring. B'shalom, Benny Sommerfeld
ReplyDeleteI was there tonight to meet you. I was that lady who asked the question that angered and frustrated you. I am so truly sorry. You taught me so much. You are a inspiration. Seeing you changed me in many ways and for that I am so grateful. You are a brave man to share your story, but what a gift you have to offer. You will make a difference in this world. There are many like me who can learn so much from you. You have such a gift to share and I hope you will continue to educate the people like me. Ido I am truly sorry. I will keep you in my heart as you travel this frustrating journey that your on. I so admire you. thank you for a valuable lesson.
ReplyDeleteIdo, your writings are always just what I need to keep moving forward on this journey. However, I must say the the two previous comments have really moved me. I want to thank them for being honest, and willing to admit that seeing one thing and believing another is so hard...particularly for us as adults. It is so hard for you to prove yourself over and over again, but every time that you do, you move mountains. I am inspired to face my day...thank you.
ReplyDeleteIdo, I sent you blog website to my friends and one of them wrote me back to ask if you have a youtube video of how you use your letter board. I would also very much be interested in seeing that. So, please consider putting up a video of you doing that. Thanks. Your writings inspire me.
ReplyDeleteI also want to tell you that I really like how you organized your website. It's very easy to move around to different pages and is easy to follow. Shabbat Shalom.
ReplyDeleteNo worries. I'm not mad that you wondered. It's understandable, if frustrating.
ReplyDeleteI am learning so much from your blog. I have already passed on the link to a friend whose daughter is non-verbal and I think it is giving her hope and understanding. I think you are like Hadassah (Esther), raised up for such a time as this. You are a hope-giver.
ReplyDeleteI have been suffering from HIV and Genital Herpes for the past 3 years and 8 months, and ever since then i have been taking series of treatment but there was no improvement until i came across testimonies of Dr TAKUTA on how he has been curing different people from different diseases all over the world, then i contacted him as well. After our conversation he sent me the medicine which i took according to his instructions. When i was done taking the herbal medicine i went for a medical checkup and to my greatest surprise i was cured from Herpes. My heart is so filled with joy. If you are suffering from Herpes or any other disease you can contact Dr TAKUTA today on this Email address: takutaspellalter@gmail.com or WhatsApp him on this Tell.Number +27788634102....
ReplyDeleteDr.TAKUTA also cures:
1. HEPATITIS A,B,C
2. HERPES 1/2
3.DIABETES
4.STROKE.
5.STDS and STI
6. MARRIAGE COUNSELLING
7.LOVE SPELL CASTING
8.JOB PROMOTION SPELLS
9.MARITAL PROBLEM
10.MAGIC MONEY SPELLS
I Want To Appreciate Dr.OYAGU for hs great deeds, I Was Diagnosed With type 2 Herpes Virus Last year,And Was Look For Solution To Be Cured Luckily I Saw Testimonies On How Dr.OYAGU Cure Herpes Virus I Decided To Contact Dr.OYAGU I Contacted Him He Prepared A Herbal Medicine Portion And Sent It To Me,I Started The Herbal Medicine For My Health.He Gave Me Step By Step Instructions On How To Apply It, When I Applied It As Instructed, I Was Cured Of This Deadly Herpes Within 2 weeks, I Am Now Herpes Negative.My Brother And Sister I No That There Are So Many People That Have There Same Herpes Virus Please contact Dr OYAGU To Help You Too,And Help Me To Thank Dr.OYAGU For Cure Me, I’m Cured By Dr. OYAGU Herbal Medicine,His Contact Email:oyaguherbalhome@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteOr Cell Whatsapp Number +2348101755322 thank you