The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

While we have a lot in common, our autism presents differently, and so the struggles we had before our voices were heard were different. Conner didn't speak until age 4 and then had limited communication with sign language and a word board. "At age 19 words in my head opened up and burst through to my fingers. I now type my words and I speak these typed words to Congress, at conventions and meetings." Chloe was on grade-level at school and enjoyed many activities and friends, but she was 18 when typing let her "start to put autism and experiences into words that others understood--to show myself, defend myself, express and advocate for myself." Lydia was a high achiever who could memorize and repeat but couldn’t use language to relate or express herself. "I have empathy and maturity, but nobody knew. My mom says she didn't know her own kid. I had words but no real voice." For all of us, typing changed everything.

Current views of AAC limit access for those who are seen as too capable or not capable enough. Our typing has been discouraged at times by professionals who said that if we are permitted to type, we won't make the effort to speak. Research shows that children who use AAC gain more speech than those who only receive speech therapy. Communication, like the autism spectrum, is complex and highly individual. This view encourages adequate supports and opportunities for everyone to access full communication, making a better future for ourselves and the autistic community.

Since we know in advance that Lydia’s health limits her ability to travel, we have already approached the Autism Society about our plan to record her voice in advance to be played during her segment of the slide show. We have given this presentation once before and received many messages from attendees about its impact, so we are confident that it will be successful even with the slight change in format.

While some autistic adults have a mastery of spoken language to participate in meetings and focus groups, many of us want to be a part of these important conversations but face too many barriers in large groups and fast-paced conversations. We have ideas. We are creative thinkers and problem solvers. We are considerate of everyone's needs and not just our own. The three of us are valuable resources in these conversations that always happened around us but never allowed us a crucial role. Now, given these opportunities, our message is that everyone has something to say, and everyone should be heard.