Laura Grace Weldon’s geekmom blog features an short snippet
of a review about a book about a girl that was diagnosed with autism. Weldon’s
blog, Carly’s
Voice: Technology Bridges Autism., introduces us to Carly Fleiscmann. Carly, like many other children, has the
complicated diagnosis of autism. Carly
struggled to communicate with anyone until one day she typed three words on a
computer keyboard. This closed the
communication gap between her and her family members. She typed “help teeth hurt”.
I have had many encounters with students who were diagnosed with autism. Some able to communicate and others that used pictures to help teachers understand what their needs were. I had one student start screaming at the top of his lungs and told me that he had to because noise was bothering him and it was the only way he could deal with it. I can’t imagine not being able to tell someone my basic needs or what to do when over stimulated. It amazes me that someone that was diagnosed as mentally challenged could stun everyone by typing and spelling out words. How many other children diagnosed this way can benefit from not only a keyboard, but many other technological advancements?
I have had many encounters with students who were diagnosed with autism. Some able to communicate and others that used pictures to help teachers understand what their needs were. I had one student start screaming at the top of his lungs and told me that he had to because noise was bothering him and it was the only way he could deal with it. I can’t imagine not being able to tell someone my basic needs or what to do when over stimulated. It amazes me that someone that was diagnosed as mentally challenged could stun everyone by typing and spelling out words. How many other children diagnosed this way can benefit from not only a keyboard, but many other technological advancements?
Carly’s story is awe-inspiring to me. The book, Carly’s
Voice Breaking Through Autism, needs to be added to my reading list. Weldon added two short video clips, as Carly
has been recognized for her struggle and accomplishments. I’ll be honest I couldn’t watch without
tearing up a little bit.
My daughter goes to a speech therapist and she was explaining to me that there are children out there who are diagnosed wrong strictly because they cannot communicate. Think about how happt Carly was when her teeth stopped hurting. She was probably a different child. THanks for sharing.
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