Tag Archives: Alexander

Diplomats from Planet Autism

One of the things that I’ve noticed about published high-functioning people with autism is how uniquely insightful they can be about the rest of us – the neurotypicals comprising most of humanity.  Folks like Temple Grandin and Sean Barron have written not only about autistic people and how they see the world, but also have provided an objective analysis of the rest of us.  Some of their observations about how typical people socialize and view the planet are, at times, both fascinating and disconcerting in their honesty.

This morning, I watched a young man named Alexander explain what autism means to him (on thAutcast).  It’s funny, insightful, and inspiring.  In it, he methodically and endearingly presents his situation.  He says that sometimes people with autism can feel like aliens from another planet trying to interact with human kind.  (Which brings to mind Mae Swenson’s poem Southbound on the Freeway.)  Considering how odd human beings really are, I can see why he might feel that way.

I loved Alexander and his perspective.  And, when I look at him, it gives me hope for my son’s future.  No, I don’t think that my son must become verbal to be happy.  But I do so wish for him that he is able to communicate to others who is is, how he sees the world, and inspires others to want to be his friend.  For Alexander strikes me as someone I would want to have as a friend.  I want Callum to be appreciated and valued for Callum, not merely defined by his autism.  I want him to enjoy his uniqueness and be proud of the person he is.

So I’d like to give a big shout out to diplomats like Grandin, Barron, and Alexander.  They come bearing friendship and gifts from their world and seek to make the connection to ours.  They educate, de-stigmatize, and encourage us to realize that autistic people – like everyone else- have great things to offer those of us willing to accept them.  Thank you.