Autism Breakthrough: Girl's Writings Explain Her Behavior and Feelings

Doctors Amazed by Carly Fleishman's Ability to Describe the Disorder From the Inside

Carly Fleischman has severe autism and is unable to speak a word. But thanks to years of expensive and intensive therapy, this 13-year-old has made a remarkable breakthrough.

Two years ago, working with pictures and symbols on a computer keyboard, she started typing and spelling out words. The computer became her voice.

"All of a sudden these words started to pour out of her, and it was an exciting moment because we didn't realize she had all these words," said speech pathologist Barbara Nash. "It was one of those moments in my career that I'll never forget."

Then Carly began opening up, describing what it was like to have autism and why she makes odd noises or why she hits herself.

What I take away from this, other than the obvious, is that I am so very lucky to have been born free from so many ailments that others have. Most of us reading this story are so very fortunate, and yet we go through our own periods of depression, as if we really had something to capare to what this young woman must endure.

I enjoy very much talking to folks about issues of the day. In the early 90s I was communicating on the White Water Bulletin Board on Prodigy. One of the people I enjoyed communicating with on that board was a man who communicated by using a device with his mouth, that he punched out responses with.

We are very lucky.

It would be wonderful if the type of breakthrough with this one patient, could open up the world of communication for others.

I am happy for this girl. This must be a real blessing for her.

My son was diagnosed as PDD-NOS at three. He is now thirteen. It has been difficult road with his needs requiring a very large degree of attention from both of his parents. There have been many times when we feared that he would not have a full life of education, work, friends, marriage, and achievement. His differences made it difficult for him to develop friendships. It also made school work an incredible ordeal.

This past year marks something of a turning point. He has good friends, is now an A student, and seems happy with himself. For the past five years we have had to spend two or more hours a night working with him in order for him to complete his homework. He would often take four or five hours to complete his work. At long last he is able to do his work largely on his own, and now generally without tears and rage.

He is still different, but perhaps in a way that he will be able to shape to his advantage. For instance, he tends to immerse himself in things he is interested in to a very unusual degree. This obsessive attention could prove useful in a world that values specialists.

The most important factors in his development seem to have been our finding the right school and therapist. We tried several schools before finding one that worked well for him. He has a two hour daily commute, but it is worth it. We also tried several therapist before finding the one that worked well for him. She is not an MD and is quite quirky, but has worked wonders. This is the first year that he has not needed have a therapist.

We have used medications on and off but avoid them whenever possible. The drugs seem to have a big impact at first but their helpful effects seem to rapidly tail off. They do have emotional side effects. Still there have been times when our son has requested to return to his "focus medicine". A mix of over the counter items such as vitamins seem to be helpful as well.

The key resource has been what we call the mommy network. It is very important to talk with the mothers of other PDD children. They know the drugs, the schools and the therapists. Some of their children might even befriend yours. Our son became painfully aware of his differences when he was a few years older than yours. Having peers helped him a good deal. Don't be overly impressed with the instructions issued by professionals. They have their own interests and opinions in play.

This would be another reason why abortion is a bad thing no?

Do people know when thier child is in the womb that autism is present? Have babies been murdered because people thought that they would be autistic or does it not show up until sometime after the after birth?

I like the idea of abc giving people a reason why they should not have abortions.

And I love the idea of a sentient being suddenly being revealed to those who have been so close and never , never, never knew.

Great for computers and new writers who will share with us whole new undisclosed worlds of human experience.

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