The Benefits of Autism | Zachary Betz | TEDxSouthFayetteHS

Description: People with autism are not only just as capable of succeeding in life as people without autism, but also have some advantages to gaining success. Often, people take pity on those with autism, thinking that this is a disadvantage or a burden. Zach will explain how people with autism see problems from a unique perspective and how their different perspectives are beneficial. Zach believes it is important to bring this misconception to light because of the growing number of people diagnosed with autism.

Bio: Zach is a 9th grade student at South Fayette High School. Zach is an active student, passionate about running varsity cross country, track, and participating in student government. He participates in a program called “Random Acts of Kindness,” which brings joy to others through compassionate acts such as making cards for children in hospitals and cancer ribbons to show support. Zach also has a heart for people with mental health issues, actively showing support and kindness to friends. After high school, Zach is interested in pursuing a career in journalism. Zach would like to thank his family for their support throughout his life.

[dianabetz]

This is my son and I learn from him everyday. So proud of his accomplishments.

[RayneBubble.]

I believe ASD is as common in girls/women as it is in boys, they are just now learning how to diagnose it in us, since we present differently

[snooze-]

I always saw autism as more of a specialist into a certain thing rather then overall in my opinion. I've got autism myself and I won't lie, I'm useless in social gathering / verbal based communication but excel towards details and in my case, tinkering and repairs since I always found myself fascinated with technology and how it works.

[suzannebryant]

And, this is why we need to learn to live in their world...NOT teach them to live in our world❤️ Autistic children are teaching us to learn about them❤️ My grandson is my whole world, he knows that I get him, because every day he is teaching me to learn about him....I call him my little blessing🙏 It's amazing on how much I have learned, & continue to learn from him❤️ I get him & he gets me. It makes my heart happy to see him being himself, not caring what others think about him. We both are living our best life because we are in OUR own little world & do not have a care in the world of others judging us for who we are❤️ I am the Ying to his Yang❤️🙏

[alray]

I completed a BSc and MSc. in engineering, published scientific research in my home country, moved to the United States alone with no money, no English, no papers and no family. I have got fired from jobs almost every year. Recently, I was diagnosed with Asperger in my 50s. Now I understand why. Luckily, have survived tutoring Math, Physics and Chemistry. We have to make sure it doesn't happen to future generations.

[dbplaya_]

I have high functioning autism. I am very successful because I have won 2nd place in championship wrestling in 8th grade, I have graduated high-school, I have done bodybuilding and hit a pr of 500lb deadlift with no steroids and no adrenaline and it took me 2 years to achieve that goal. I have a special gift of sensing frequencies and seing more of life beyond life and the "normal life".

[an_anishinaabe_son]

I delightfully-chuckled when I heard this young man's talk, not only is he correct in-the-main, but his Autistic traits were obvious---and I love that! My Autistic traits I can't see, but I can see Autistic traits in others. It's a very comforting thing for me. ❤

I love his talk too!❤

[cindypetersen]

Impressive young man! I genuinely hope he feels the same after 10 years in the workplace & has better fortune than I’ve had as an autistic person trying to sustain employment out in the world.🙏

[luken]

Well spoken. I find autism has its benefits despite the struggles it comes with in the social sphere. I’m on the HFA side of the spectrum and even though life has been a wrestle I wouldn’t trade it with anything else.

[BrettBtv]

Mozart was a child prodigy in music. It’s thought that even him and Leonardo da Vinci are also on the spectrum.

[Getcha-Pull]

Autism can be a superpower! 💙 Show some respect. Chances are that you know some friendos out there that have it too

[ZENKI]

My 3 year old son has autism and honestly there really are some times that are hard to deal with, but I just view it as some kind of super powers that he is still struggling to control right now and someday with our guidance he will be able to control it properly, at his age he can already read sentences sometimes even paragraphs and able to quickly memorize lyrics of songs, even different shapes and colors and was already able to count from 1 to 100 at the age of 2 years old. I'm so proud of him and will continue to support him til the end.

[swellel]

My favorite Ted Talk! So well spoken and loved the message.

[halfthevivi]

As a person with Autism, I disagree. The "passion in their work" and "attention to detail" thing usually only apply to their very specific niche interests. It's not always helpful in work, and especially in socializing. Many Autistic people I know, are more likely to be passionate and focus on the details of their very specific, niche, Autistic speical interests, instead of remembering people's names or letting others speak in social situations. Special interests like specific cartoon characters or certain TV shows that NO ONE knows about, for example.

[jonohoffman]

This was really cool. I know the spectrum is quite wide and there are plenty of people on it that struggle a great deal, but learning to see the world in they're way more effectively could open a lot of doors for a lot of people. People that might not see the door-knob but can do some awesome stuff if someone helped them figure out how to get out of the room some other way!

[viviancovington]

Brilliant and very well spoken young man. Keep up the excellent work.

[NatashaMajid-ccyk]

Autism- amazing
Autism- incredible
Autism- outstanding
Autism- unique
The list goes
My wonderful, amazing, outstanding, gorgeous, and happy son, aged 4 is autistic and what a LAD... amazing everyday in every way.❤

[SwordofHighlanders]

See how the "happy people" are those we deem as excelling and contributing to society. Us less talented folk with autism just have to deal with being poor and not remembered.

[euanelliott]

The benefits of autism.
I don't need friends, and I don't want or need a romantic relationship to make me feel loved.
I live in my own space perfectly happy in my own company save for saying the occasional Good Morning to my neighbours.
Autism makes isolation natural, thank God for it.

[devonboulden]

I noticed the flowers 1st. I'm a little confused what this was about. The premise is there's something wrong with me. Honestly, discovering I'm autistic was an incredible relief. Even if no one ever understands me, I can now understand more about myself.