Love

Dear Readers

Today I’m going to talk about falling in love. Now before you get all excited let me clarify. I am not talking about romantic love. The type of love I am talking about is the love you feel when someone really gets you.

I remember how I used to feel when everyone thought I was low functioning. I was so sad and lost. I thought that no one would ever see me and that I would be trapped forever. But my wonderful mother never gave up on me.

I was taken to see Tracy Gunn who is a Speech Therapist. She is trained to work with non-speaking autistics. She sees me. She understands my body and respects my brain. She fights to make sure I get a good education and she finds friends for me. I love her so much.

My wish is that every non-speaking autistic can find a Tracy. Someone who fights for them and gives them a voice.

Until next time

Akha

Let’s talk about regulation

Dear Readers

I want to talk about regulation. Autistic people have really sensitive bodies. Please be aware that things that you might not be aware of may disturb the autistic person. Anything from a buzzing light to a scratchy label can cause them to be dysregulated.

I am often dysregulated by noises like a truck going past or a baby crying. I am also dysregulated by things going on inside my body. If I am tired or sick or low, I am also dysregulated. I am also dysregulated by other people’s emotions. If people around me are tired or sick or sad I can feel it. You have to remember that many autists are empaths and can sense people’s feelings. I am very tuned into the people I love. Their feelings can really drain me.

I am dysregulated by changes in weather. I can sense changes in atmospheric pressure and in temperature. I suffer from seasonal affective disorder during winter. It makes me feel depressed.

When I am dysregulated, my body is extra silly. It is such hard work to keep it under control. The best way to control my regulation is to talk about how I feel on the letter boards. Then I feel understood. I then relax because I am no longer alone with my emotions. Communication is the key to regulation. I am so grateful for my voice.

Until next time

Akha

Respecting Autistics

Dear Readers

Today I want to talk about respecting autistic people. People think that because some autistics can’t speak, they are low functioning but this is not true. The only reason they are not speaking is because they have motor planning difficulties. This is interfering with their ability to speak. Let me assure you that they would talk if they could.

The way you treat them is so important. Imagine that you were smart but trapped in your body. Imagine if people spoke to you as if you were a baby. How would that make you feel? That is how the autistic person feels all the time.

Let them know that you see them in there. The thought that they are not seen is frightening. So scary that you might be missed. So scary that you might be trapped in your body forever and no one will ever see you.

Then, when you speak to them, let them know that you know that they are smart. Be respectful of their brains and talk to them like you would talk to anyone of their age. Talk to them about interesting things. Never talk to them like a baby.

Until next time

Akha

Body Mind Disconnect

Hi Readers

I am so excited to write about one of my favourite topics namely body mind disconnect. I have a super smart brain and a super silly body. My brain knows exactly what it wants to do and say but my body just won’t do it. Some people interpret my behaviour as how my brain thinks. This is so hurtful as people then assume I’m stupid as my body does such stupid things. I wish people wouldn’t jump to conclusions without getting to know me first. I am so much more than what meets the eye.

Body mind disconnect is so frustrating to live with. Imagine not being able to do simple things like heading for bed when you are tired. Instead, your body heads in the opposite direction, screaming. Just imagine how frustrating that must be. I wish I could control my body and make it do what I want it to do.

Before making assumptions about what I want rather ask me what I want on the letter boards. It is my only reliable voice.

Until next time

Akha

Hello Readers

I am Akha and I am going to take you on a journey. I am a non-speaking autistic person who lives in South Africa. I got my voice two years ago when I was introduced to Spelling to Communicate. My life has changed completely since then. No more isolation and my brain is respected.

I am so grateful to my mother for never giving up on me, even when my body was being silly. I am also grateful for my speech therapist, Tracy, for always fighting for a better life for me. My teacher Nicola is growing my brain. I have two sisters called Yandi and Phila, who is my twin.

I want to use this blog to discuss non-speaking autism and how it feels like to live in an uncontrollable body.

Until next time,
Akha