Autism: give me a chance and I will change everything | Noah Britton | TEDxNewEnglandCollege

The speaker begins by prompting the audience to recall a moment of personal shame without overthinking, and then shares a personal story from middle school involving a conflict with their mother. The narrative delves into the sensory hypersensitivity commonly experienced by those with autism, discussing how light touch can be irritating yet deep pressure is comforting. The speaker also covers issues with certain textures in food and the challenges of dealing with distracting sounds. They explain how headphones can help to block out noise, allowing for better concentration. Additionally, the speaker touches on the unique sensitivity to intonation and inflection in speech, which can lead to behaviors like echolalia in autistic individuals.

This paragraph continues the discussion on sensory hypersensitivity, focusing on visual and auditory stimuli. The speaker describes how the same visual image can appear drastically different to an autistic person, leading to a dislike of outdoor activities due to sunlight sensitivity. They also mention the ability of autistic individuals to quickly detect differences in visual environments. The speaker then addresses the issue of being unable to control one's own body motion, which can lead to frustration and meltdowns. They recount a specific incident from their past where they reacted aggressively to a friend's action, causing harm and regret.

The speaker reflects on their past actions and the importance of forgiveness, both self-forgiveness and forgiving others. They share the story of a friend who was affected by their actions and how the incident was eventually resolved. The speaker encourages the audience to consider their own actions and the mistakes they've made, emphasizing that everyone is human and imperfect. They also introduce the concept of 'reactance,' explaining how resistance to change can occur when people are challenged, using the example of the Judge Rotenberg Center, which uses electric shock as a punishment method, and the backlash it receives from protests.

The speaker delves into the psychological concept of reactance, illustrating how it can lead to a cycle of hatred and resistance to change. They use the example of the Judge Rotenberg Center again, discussing the negative effects of their controversial methods and the public's reaction to them. The speaker argues that hatred and judgment do not lead to productive outcomes and instead suggests that understanding and pity might be more effective in fostering change. They share an interaction with a member of the audience, Rachel, who challenges the idea of forgiveness in the face of severe wrongdoing, leading to a thoughtful discussion about the role of empathy and communication in effecting change.

In the final paragraph, the speaker concludes the discussion by emphasizing the importance of open dialogue and mutual respect. They commend Rachel for her bravery in expressing her opinion and use the exchange as an example of how conversation can be more effective than hatred or judgment. The speaker directly addresses the staff of the Judge Rotenberg Center, urging them to reconsider their methods and offering forgiveness for past actions if they choose to change. The paragraph ends on a hopeful note, encouraging the audience to consider the power of empathy and understanding in resolving conflicts and promoting positive change.