So many people watch TED Talk videos to find inspiration, information and motivation on so many topics that are related to science, business, lifestyle, technology, creativity and more. I wondered if they had speakers who have talked about autism, and if those videos could bring inspiration and even enlightenment to those of who are parents and caregivers for children with autism and ADHD. Yes, they do! Here are five TED Talks about autism to inspire us as parents!
As I’ve been on this journey of autism and ADHD, I’ve learned a great deal and have inspired by the amazing kids, teens and parents I’ve met along the way. Hearing their stories has helped me understand that I’m not alone, that there is hope for my son J for his future, and that many other parents also are looking for ways to help others. I hope you enjoy watching these videos.
Inspiring Autism TED Talks
1. Rosie King – How autism freed me to be myself
Rosie is a teenage girl with autism who loves to talk and is very creative. She notes “stereotypes like they often are about autism are wrong.” She says she doesn’t fit herself into a “tiny little box, and that is a great thing about being autistic.” Rosie encourages others to be “extraordinary” instead of settling for “normal.” I found her talk inspiring, funny and enlightening.
2. Temple Grandin, Ph.D. – The world needs all kinds of minds
Many of us are familiar with Temple Grandin. She is one of the most famous and successful contemporary people with autism. I always find it inspiring to listen to her. In this talk, Temple discusses how she and others with autism think more in pictures instead of words. She describes it as thinking like Google images. Temple talks about the different types of thinkers and that people with autism often are visual thinkers, pattern thinkers or verbal thinkers. She notes that we need to focus on developing all types of minds and encouraging our kids with autism to follow their passions into related careers or work for their future success.
3. Stuart Duncan – How I use Minecraft to help kids with autism
Stuart is known by his Minecraft character of “Autism Father” by those who use AutCraft. He has a Minecraft special server called AutCraft, which offers a safe place on the Internet for kids with autism – away from cyberbullies. AutCraft has had a positive impact on autistic children, helping them learn to read and spell words, make friends, and even speak when they were non-verbal. Stuart shares findings of his research paper that looked into why these effects were occurring. I enjoyed listening to Stuart talk about how kids learn good communications skills, enjoy being themselves in the community and overcome obstacles.
4. Ethan Lisi – What it is really like to have autism
Ethan is a young autistic man who discusses how people tend to view people with autism as a stereotype instead of unique individuals. He talks about how there is not much information available about what it’s like to live as someone with autism. He points out that autism is not a disease – it’s just another way of looking at the world. The world isn’t built for those with autism and how people with autism practice masking to blend in with others. Ethan talks about how much emotion is inside of him and how he has difficulty showing it because it would come out as “bursting,” which would not feel normal to others. He noted that his autism diagnosis has helped him understand how his mind works. Ethan is well-spoken, funny and insightful.
5. Carina Morillo – To understand autism, don’t look away
Carina is a mother to an autistic son named Ivan who was diagnosed at age two and half. She recalls what it was like for her and her husband when they received the diagnosis, in a time when information on the Internet wasn’t available about autism. Her son was non-verbal and non-responsive to words in many ways. She said she became an “eye contact coach” to understand her son and what he was experiencing. Carina also learned to “talk” to her son in photos. As a parent, we can appreciate how Carina worked tirelessly to connect with her son and find a way to teach him about life. She also is an advocate for inclusion of all people.
BONUS:
Kelly McGonigal – How to Make Stress Your Friend
I came across Dr. Kelly McGonigal’s video a few years ago when I was going through an especially stressful time in my life. She is a psychologist who studies stress and the impact on your life. Currently, I’m reading her book, Upside of Stress, (affiliate link) and it’s fascinating. As a parent of a child with autism and ADHD, I am no stranger to stress, but McGonigal’s research is really changing the way I look at it. Maybe it is not harmful to me and instead I should look at how it motivates me. Also, stress is an effect of having life experiences that make you grow. Watch this video and see if it begins to help reshape your thinking about stress in your life. Researchers like McGonigal have found your mindset about stress has a real impact on your long-term health. For more information, I suggest reading her book.
Do you enjoy TED Talks and have a favorite one about autism, ADHD or other related topic? If so, share a link in the comments! This is a great way to share and encourage one another on this journey!
