January 28, 2007
Autism, In My Language:
Amanda Baggs is a young woman with autism and she's created a powerful and articulate video that 'translates' from her world of environmental interaction to the neurotypical form of speech and perception.
As well as a stunning view into how she experiences and makes sense of the world, it's also a forceful philosophical argument concerning how the mainstream understands people who don't think or communicate in a conventional way.
Presumably speech-less (either through choice or development), Baggs communicates to the viewer using a voice synthesiser and on-screen text.
She has also put many of her medical notes online, sharpening the contrast between our assumptions about autism, and the message she deftly communicates.
Well worth watching to the end. A profound and exciting insight into an alternative humanity.
Link to YouTube video 'In My Language' (via Joy of Autism).
