Imagine having thoughts, ideas, and knowledge to share, but being unable to express them through speech. Now imagine people assuming that because you cannot speak, you cannot understand.
For many non-speaking and partially speaking autistic adults, this is an everyday reality.
But the ability to speak and the ability to think are two very different things.
At JoyDew, most of our members are nonspeaking or partially speaking. Yet every day, they challenge assumptions about what autistic adults can learn and accomplish.
When given appropriate communication tools, individualized support, and meaningful opportunities, our members are demonstrating abilities that traditional settings may have overlooked.
Three nonspeaking JoyDew members recently completed a college-level Artificial Intelligence course through our partnership with Santa Fe College!
Several members have earned Trusted Tester status through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, demonstrating skills in digital accessibility testing.
Others are pursuing advanced learning and job training in cybersecurity, AI, Quality Assurance, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and radiology.
These accomplishments are not about overcoming autism. They are about what becomes possible when we stop confusing communication differences with intellectual limitations.
At JoyDew, we support communication through typing, spelling, assistive technology, and other methods that allow members to express themselves.
And perhaps most importantly, our members tell us how much it means to be recognized, respected, and given opportunities to pursue their intellectual interests.
Speech is a communication tool, NOT an intelligence test.
When we change our assumptions, we can change someone's opportunities.
Parents, have you experienced situations where your adult child's abilities were underestimated because of communication challenges? We'd love to hear your experiences.
#JoyDew #Autism #AutisticAdults #NonspeakingAutism #PresumeCompetence #AutismAcceptance #CommunicationMatters
