Defining Thought & Language

This video is an extraordinary look into the mind of one person with autism. It is not a representation of the inner workings of autism because almost every case is different. My lady has been working with children with autism for a few years now and i believe she is on the forefront of support and therapy. Needless to say, Autism is often a topic of conversation in our little apartment. I am by no means a scholar on the subject, just someone with a particular insight into one aspect of the "disorder". I think it is important to realize that not every person with autism is like Amanda. It is a vast spectrum. Some may be more capable of specific social or motor skills but will never be able to match her intellect or comprehension of language, environment and their relationship with each other. In my opinion, her ability to express herself surpasses most "typical" humans and it is a pleasure to hear her perspective. However, as she said, her video is not a statement about autism but "a statement about what gets considered thought, intelligence, personhood, language, and communication, and what does not." These are all topics that i've been studying and reflecting on as a future teacher. 

In class we've been discussing the theory of primitive language. Basically it's the myth that one language is better than another because it is used by more people, or its able to express specific ideas, or is just considered to be more proper. This is obviously false because a language is created to suit the needs of its speakers. As long as it does that properly than it is no better or worse. I think its important to understand this as a teacher, but especially as an English teacher. Proper language and proper writing are as much of a lie as the idea of primitive language. Embracing linguistic difference is as important as embracing cultural difference. What i need to be able to do properly is convey the importance of learning to write and speak "Standard English" while encouraging he use of their home or peer language. Language is a tool. Students need to know when and how to use "appropriate" language in order to get ahead in life because unfortunately people and employers will instantly judge someone's intelligence by their language and accent. 

I think i can really relate with Amanda. i sometimes feel very much out of touch with "normal" society. What is considered acceptable and proper is not usually how i feel. Like amanda, i often tap and bang on my environment and listen closely to how they respond. And i sometimes smell objects that most people would think strange. At times i honestly wish i could experience the world the way Amanda does. She is more honest with herself and more in tune with her environment than 99% of "normal" people.