From ABC's 20/20--Carly's story, inside the mind of a girl with autism.

[jsbenkert]

This is a story that appeared on 20/20 about a teenager, named Carly, who has autism.  She has never been able to speak, but with the aid of technology, is now able to communicate.  Somehow, I missed this when it aired a few nights ago.  Fortunately, I ran into a friend of mine who saw it and told me how powerful it is.  Whether you have a child with autism, or you know someone who does,  watch this.  It is something that could give you hope, and some new insight.

Don't believe that autism is a real disorder?  Then you really must see this video.  Maybe, just maybe it will open your eyes. 

http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerindex?id=8281792

What is most striking to me is how Carly was being categorized as mentally retarded because of her behaviors (which she explains) and because she is non-verbal (but we see how eloquently she "speaks" with the right tools).  I hope that many, many people watch this and re-evaluate how they perceive those who have autism.  Carly is an incredible young woman (a teenager, really) who is opening minds to what it is really like to have ASD.

[jcdmom]

Aug. 10, 2009 at 8:43 PM

Thanks for sharing that I knew it was on but I didn't get to watch it. It left me with hope  for all our kids too.

[patience_now]

Aug. 10, 2009 at 8:58 PM

that's awesome, gives me hope that some day we'll find the key to unlock Autism

[Beth100]

Aug. 11, 2009 at 1:49 PM

       Thank you so much for sharing this story!  I had tried to watch 20/20 the night the feature was to be on and for some reason, it was not aired in my area.  I was so disappointed.  I have a seven year old severly autistic grandson.  Again, thaks a million!  Beth100

[AisForAutism]

Aug. 11, 2009 at 4:54 PM

Thank you for sharing.

As William Stillman says, "Always presume intellect."

[Jess428]

Aug. 11, 2009 at 5:53 PM

That is the most amazing story I think I've ever heard.  Wow.

[rebabeach2]

Aug. 11, 2009 at 7:30 PM

Thanks for posting this! I watched the show the other night and was in tears when her father breaks down and recalls all the times the family had talked about her behaviors in front of Carly, only to realize later that she understood everything being said. After having worked with students with severe autism and becoming familiar with different types of assistive communication devices, I COMPLETELY agree with AisForAutism - always presume intellect. I hope some of the narrow-minded "autism isn't real" moms on CM take the time to watch that segment.

[cindie83099]

Aug. 11, 2009 at 7:48 PM

Thanks for posting... I just sent the link to my son's OT, cause she wants to see it and to my SIL too!!!  Stories like this are inspiring and portray the autistic point of view, which is desperately needed!!!

[aurorabunny]

Aug. 11, 2009 at 8:10 PM

I have seen her story before and it is amazing, I'm going to go watch it again.  It is inspiring but it also breaks my heart to think about how many brilliant minded individuals are thought of as "dumb" or "mentally retarded" just because they communicate differently or can't communicate at all.