Last night, autism has taught me yet again that my neurotypical (NT) viewpoint is limited and that there is an endless amount of wisdom to be learned from those with autism. In 100 cities at 7:30 p.m last night, the exceptional movie, Wretches & Jabberers, was played, and I was fortunate enough to be able to see the movie. If I had my way, I would want the film be made available throughout the country and the world. As the number of those directly or indirectly affected by autism continues to increase, it is of paramount importance that films such as this be shown.
The film documents the advocacy efforts of two autistic men, Tracy Thresher, 42, and Larry Bissonnette, 52, who travel to Sri Lanka, Japan and Finland to show the world that their outward appearance and behaviors mask the true intelligence and competence hidden within “the beast” as they often refer to autism. With the help of keyboards and assistive technology, Tracy, Larry and fellow autistics who they meet during their travels, not only communicate their thoughts effectively but in a manner which can only be described as poetic and profound.
Flapping, shrieking and making frequent unintelligible sounds, both men exhibited the signs of what is viewed as severe autism. By the unaware NT world, they would be viewed as mentally handicapped and learning disabled. Society would not expect much from them based purely on their outward appearance. Wretches & Jabberers forces the NT viewers to realize what an incredible disservice it is for those of us who can verbalize our feelings, who can behave “typically”, to believe that those such as Tracy and Larry are nothing more than poor souls who are barely capable of daily living.
Traveling across the globe, meeting with students and speaking at conferences, Tracy and Larry speak unflinchingly about how difficult it is to be trapped in such a state, being judged as unintelligent but being unable to communicate that they knew exactly what was going on around them. Even as a parent of autistic children, both of whom are verbal, my eyes were opened by how truly the same we all are. What may seem like profound differences between NTs and autistics is blurred and challenged with each question Larry, Tracy and the other autistic persons answered and each thought which they shared.
What I find myself further awed by is that Larry and Tracy never showed resentment or anger toward those who misinterpreted (or continue to misinterpret) them. I find it difficult to imagine that they don’t have those emotions but, in their tireless effort to advocate for the autism community, they present their world to the NT world in a manner which is positive, often humorous, truly beautiful and forgiving. I can’t help but feel fortunate and encouraged that we may be able to expand this opportunity to connect with our fellow humans who have been dealt a difficult card with autism via the help of assistive technology. I can’t help but feel deep regret and remorse for those who, in the past, were severely underestimated and mistreated and for those who currently are trapped in a world without speech and who are judged ignorantly by those who deem themselves to be superior in knowledge and abilities.
I truly appreciate those who have made this film possible and for opening my eyes yet again to the beauty often hidden within our fellow humans affected by autism. In tribute to two very brave men, I am sending a toast out to Larry (who loves beer too) and Tracy. As the parent of children who are often misinterpreted, I am truly grateful that they have shared their message with the world.
(Visit their website at http://www.wretchesandjabberers.org/about.php)
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