Amanda Baggs, who has been classified as a low functionining autistic, lets us into her world. Just simply amazing. Please watch until the second half, where she explains what you are seeing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnylM1hI2jc
Thank you so much for putting that link on the board! This could have been a video of my sister, except she does not function at quite this high a level (some simplistic sign language). I know she is usually happy but it tears me up that I cannot know, or anyone else in the family, what her needs and wants are. In away it is crushing to realize that I will never really know. With mixed emotions I felt obligated to send this link to my brothers and sisters. Not sure how my step-dad, who is her caretaker, could handle it. Again thanks!
The most amazing TV series finale I've ever seen was the one for St. Elswhere. Does anyone else remember it? It showed the outside of the hospital and it was snowing. Then in the background you heard a voice calling "Tommy" to come and eat dinner. The camera panned out and you saw an autistic boy staring into a snow globe with a building in it. Then you saw the two main "doctor" characters sitting at a table in a small apartment looking at the boy. Of course the implication was that the entire six year run of the show had simply been in the mind of the autistic child. It was truly shocking, and I must admit, very sad. I think I even shed a tear. Thank God my children are healthy and happy. It breaks my heart when I see a child like this P.S. I only watched a minute or too of that video. Couldn't handle anymore than that.
Thanks for sharing that, GOC. It was very interesting and enlightening. I also have a relative who has autism who does not function at this high level. However, each time I see him, I am usually impressed with the gains he has made, as far as interacting with our world is concerned. The video sure does help us to value others for who they are, doesn't it? Snuff
