Non-verbal girl with Autism speaks through her computer 20/20 ABC News

Summary

This story is about Carly Fleischman, a girl with autism who was once unable to speak or connect with the world. After years of intensive therapy and struggles, Carly suddenly began typing at age 11, revealing a rich inner world of thoughts and intelligence. Her breakthrough challenged assumptions about her cognitive abilities and allowed her to communicate her experiences, such as sensory overload and frustration with her condition. Now, Carly shares her insights with the world, offering hope to others while defying the limitations placed on her by autism.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Carly Fleischmann, a nonverbal autistic girl, made an incredible breakthrough at age 11, beginning to communicate through typing.
• 🤯 Carly describes the sensations she feels, such as feeling like her legs are on fire or ants are crawling on her arms, revealing the sensory overload often experienced by autistic individuals.
• 🧠 Initially, Carly was assumed to have severe cognitive impairments, but her ability to type revealed a hidden intelligence and awareness.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Carly’s parents were advised to institutionalize her but decided to continue intensive therapy, which ultimately led to her breakthrough.
• 💻 Carly’s first typed words were 'HELP,' signaling her distress and prompting her caregivers to realize she was more aware than they had thought.
• 😲 Her breakthrough showed that many autistic individuals may have untapped potential and intelligence, challenging previous assumptions.
• 🗣 Carly uses typing to explain behaviors like head-banging, describing it as an uncontrollable reaction to overwhelming sensations.
• 🤗 By typing, Carly expresses her desire to be like other kids and to have a way to manage her sensory issues.
• 📝 Carly now communicates regularly through typing, even answering questions from people worldwide via her blog and Twitter.
• 💪 Carly’s story demonstrates the importance of persistence, understanding, and the belief in the potential of every individual, regardless of their challenges.

Q & A

Who is the main subject of the story?

The main subject is Carly Fleischmann, a girl diagnosed with autism who was initially unable to speak or communicate until a breakthrough at age 11.

What challenges did Carly face during her early years?

Carly faced severe developmental delays, struggled to walk or sit up, and exhibited behaviors like flailing, rocking, and tantrums. She was unable to speak, which led experts to believe she had severe cognitive impairments.

How did Carly’s parents respond to her diagnosis?

Despite the bleak prognosis, Carly’s parents were determined to help her. They committed to intensive therapy, with Carly receiving 40 to 60 hours of one-on-one sessions per week from multiple therapists.

What was the breakthrough moment that changed Carly's life?

When Carly was 11, she unexpectedly ran to a computer and typed out the word 'HELP'. This was the first clear sign that she had a much higher level of understanding and communication ability than previously thought.

What impact did this breakthrough have on her therapy and interactions?

After this event, her therapists and parents realized she could communicate. They began encouraging her to type for what she wanted, which allowed Carly to gradually express her thoughts and emotions.

What did Carly reveal about her behavior through her typing?

Carly explained that her self-injurious behaviors and rocking were due to overwhelming sensory overloads. For instance, she likened the sensation to feeling like her body was going to explode if she didn't release the built-up tension.

How did Carly describe her experience living with autism?

Carly described feeling trapped in a body that doesn’t obey her commands. She mentioned that her brain feels overloaded by sensory input, making her behaviors a way to cope and manage this constant barrage of stimuli.

How did Carly's ability to type impact her relationship with her family?

Carly's ability to communicate through typing transformed her relationship with her family. Her parents were able to see her true personality, humor, and intelligence, leading them to see her as a bright and capable teenage girl rather than a disabled child.

What does Carly hope to achieve through her communication skills?

Carly hopes to be understood as a normal child and wants to help others with autism. She also expressed a desire to go to school with other kids and to control her involuntary behaviors.

What has Carly accomplished since gaining the ability to communicate?

Carly has started writing a novel, maintains an internet blog, and engages with people on social media, sharing her experiences and advocating for greater understanding of autism.