"Autism is a World" is a documentary written by Sue Rubin, an autistic woman, in which she describes what it means to be autistic.
She was diagnosed as mentally *** until the age of 13, when she began to communicate using facilitated communication. She is a graduate of Whittier College, California.
See
http://www.stateart.com/productions/disa...smisaworld for a description and synopsis of the film.
I have known Sue Rubin since 1992. I am very skeptical that her communication is authentic. But the movie has a good message that should not die because of a very dubious messenger. I hope it gets the Oscar. Ironically, it will probably will because a lot of our usual enemies, like the CAN people, are pushing for it.
Jerry Newport
I have seen Sue numerous times and it has never looked authentic. The mom hovers constantly over her. You can't actually see what she types. Mom tells you from a safe distance. If it is authentic, it needs better public demonstration.
Jerry Newport
I have never seen unequivocal proof that Susie can type independently. This has always struck me as beyond weird. Susie, for one thing, looks far more like a downs syndrome person and also a bit of dwarfism, probably from her father.
The parents hover around her. Whenever she tries to talk to you and apparently can talk, she is immediately led back to the typewriter.
The most obnoxious thing about most of the FC community is that they usually resort to personal attack and innuendo when anyone asks the simplest, most logical question. They remind me of Zionists who call you an anti-semite if you don't totally approve of Israel.
Jerry Newport
Amy, that is a pretty naive question. I am sure that lots of people, including some "friends" of ours who should know better, would vouch for her online.
I will believe when/if I see it in person, period.
Jerry Newport
Well, most Downs people do achieve literacy; and some (those with mosaicism) have normal IQs. Anyway, you can't judge Down Syndrome just on the power of facial features--the right combination of races, and you'd end up with somebody who looks DS but isn't. Beside the point, anyhow; autism-plus-(lots of stuff) isn't uncommon.
If you've seen the video, she is definitely typing on her own. There are shots of her typing, with minimal help (generally somebody holding her keyboard for her).
BTW, if she can say a few words but it's difficult and/or stressful, I bet she simply prefers the keyboard. Vocal communication is very complicated, compared to just pushing buttons!