Eyes Can Hear

James' First Selfie!

Whenever I read about "severe" Autism in the media, the phrase "non-verbal" is usually listed along with violent episodes, physical stimming, and lack of toilet training. Really? I know, the "journalist" is saving space, just glossing over the other types of autism to get to the meat of the artcle, the high-functioning. You know, the kids that can be tested and show concrete, measurable growth. And, unfortunately, results get funding in this education-as-business model world we live in. I guess I'm jaded. After removing James from traditional "school," I have grown accustomed to my son being treated with respect and dignity at his sensory gym and in the neighborhood. Technology will remove that tag, enabling many non-verbal autistic individuals to communicate and show their before-unacknowledged intelligence. Undoubtedly, in some cases, voilence will disappear too as frustrations are eased.  Can you imagine trying to communicate and everyone assuming you are an idiot and acting out because of your unfathomable lack of brain?  James bristles when I say he is autistic. "Just say I can't talk, Mommy." Even he sees the connection.  He then added that I also communicate, to him, with my eyes.  Even before the iPad. "You heard me with your eyes instead of just seeing autism." And then he asked why I was crying.