Dear World, Here’s What I Want You to Know from Someone Who’s Actually Autistic

This is Day 11 of the Ali Family #AutismTruths – April 11, 2017. Today’s guest post comes from the autistic son of a friend of mine, who is nonverbal but definitely not non-communicative. Charlie is an 11-year-old autistic boy who loves reading, swimming, going to the beach, skiing and jumping on the trampoline. He is homeschooled and loves learning. He communicates using a letter board and keyboard. Read more about and from Charlie here.

Dear World,

I have autism, which means I have a stupid body that makes me look like a nincompoop. Keep learning about autism, and let’s be more kind.

Autism is getting intentionally and unintentionally misrepresented. Autism hasn’t changed, it is misunderstood. Do not research to find a cure.

Research a better way to teach autistic kids other than ABA [Applied Behavior Analysis]. Help us learn control of our own bodies by working with us to learn motor skills and leisure skills.

I am hopeful life has much to offer autistics, but we need your support to achieve great things together.

With much respect,

Autistic Charlie