Faith Jegede: What I've learned from my autistic brothers | TED

Summary

The speaker shares a heartfelt tribute to his two autistic brothers, Remi and Samuel, highlighting their unique qualities and the beauty of their differences. Remi, at 22, is described as a non-verbal communicator who embodies love and joy, while Samuel, at 16, is noted for his impeccable memory, recalling specific details from their past. The speaker emphasizes that autism, a complex brain disorder affecting social communication and learning, manifests differently in each individual, and challenges the societal notion of 'normal.' He reflects on the challenges and lessons learned from his family's experiences, advocating for the acceptance and celebration of individuality. The speaker passionately argues against the pursuit of normality, stating that it is the differences among us that represent our gifts and potential for greatness, urging everyone to embrace their own extraordinary nature.

Takeaways

• 👨‍👦 Remi, at 22, is described as tall, handsome, and non-verbal, yet he communicates joy and love in a profound way.
• 🌈 Remi embodies unconditional love, not seeing differences in skin color or religion, and has an honesty that is unparalleled.
• 🎶 When Remi sings, it serves as a reminder of the vastness and wonder of the human mind, especially in the context of autism.
• 🧠 Samuel, at 16, has an impeccable yet selective memory, highlighting the diverse manifestations of autism in different individuals.
• 🚫 The societal definition of 'normal' often leads to the bypassing and misunderstanding of those whose minds don't fit this mold.
• 💖 The speaker finds strength and heartlift in the extraordinary qualities of his brothers, despite their differences from societal norms.
• 🧬 Autism is a complex brain disorder affecting communication and behavior, with no known cause or cure, and is diagnosed in one person every 20 minutes worldwide.
• 👶 The speaker's first encounter with autism was at a young age, observing the differences in his brother's behavior and interests.
• 🌟 The speaker appreciates the unique qualities of his brothers, such as their pure and innocent nature and honesty, over a 'normal' existence.
• 💌 The message is clear: individuality and differences are valuable, and striving for 'normality' sacrifices the potential for greatness.
• 🎉 The pursuit of being extraordinary is encouraged over being 'normal,' as everyone has a unique gift to offer the world.

Q & A

What is the main message of the speaker in the transcript?

The main message is to embrace and celebrate the uniqueness and extraordinary qualities of individuals with autism, rather than striving for a societal definition of 'normal'.

Who are Remi and Samuel, and how do they differ from each other?

Remi and Samuel are the speaker's brothers who both have autism. Remi is 22, speechless, and communicates joy uniquely, while Samuel is 16, has an impeccable but selective memory, and remembers specific details from their past.

What is autism according to the speaker?

Autism is described as a complex brain disorder that affects social communication, learning, and sometimes physical skills, manifesting differently in each individual.

How does the speaker view the differences between Remi and Samuel?

The speaker views their differences as a source of their extraordinary qualities, highlighting that their uniqueness is something to be celebrated rather than seen as a deviation from 'normal'.

What does the speaker suggest about the concept of 'normal'?

The speaker suggests that the pursuit of 'normal' overlooks the beauty of individual differences and can be a sacrifice of potential, greatness, progress, and change.

Why does the speaker believe that the differences among people are valuable?

The speaker believes that differences are valuable because they represent a gift within each person, contributing to the diversity and richness of human experience.

What is the speaker's personal connection to autism?

The speaker's personal connection to autism is through their brothers, Remi and Samuel, who both have the condition.

How does the speaker describe Remi's approach to life?

The speaker describes Remi's approach to life as pure and innocent, seeing the world without prejudice, and having never lied.

What is the frequency of autism diagnosis mentioned in the script?

The script mentions that every 20 minutes, one new person is diagnosed with autism.

What challenges has the speaker's family faced due to autism?

The speaker acknowledges that there have been challenging moments in their family due to the differences brought by autism, but these challenges have also been a source of learning and growth.

What lessons has the speaker learned from Remi and Samuel?

The speaker has learned about individuality, communication, and love from Remi and Samuel, and these lessons have made them realize the value of being extraordinary rather than 'normal'.