Breaking barriers of autism: the power of kindness and friendship | Benjamin Tarasewicz | TEDxCU

Benjamin Tarasewicz, a high-schooler with autism, provides inspirational stories and tips for reaching out to people with “differences;” also highlighted are talents that can go along with “disability.” Benjamin is an award-winning public speaker, musician, and actor; he was honored with the 2013 Temple Grandin Award and is the subject of a prize-winning book titled, “Benjamin Breaking Barriers: Autism – A Journey of Hope.”

Since age 17, Benjamin has been regularly giving lectures about living with autism; he speaks at conferences, at universities and colleges, at middle-schools and high-schools, and at community venues. He has been featured in various news articles and on TV, has spoken for Talented and Gifted conferences and Autism symposia, and was a keynote speaker at the 2014 national conference of the US Autism & Asperger Association.
Benjamin loves performing in choir and musical theater productions, and he is passionate about the great outdoors. He also enjoys creative writing, and collaborates with his mother in posting to “Benjamin Breaking Barriers: Autism Blog.”

[TheMusicPinkLover]

There is nothing more affective than listening about Autism from a person who has gone through it.

[eleanorunicorn]

“These days, I’m thinking ‘who might need a hand with being included’” was so beautiful it made me cry, thank you for this talk, I hope that the young man is doing well 😊

[soularddave]

So sincere. That's an ability lacking in many, many people these days.

[lariabraham]

Benjamin, you are breaking down barriers every day-- in so many ways! I'm SO proud to know you! Excellent job, my friend.

[pianoman]

I have autism too, and I'm also trying to break barriers. That was an awesome speech!

[jimmymiller]

You are such a beautiful person, I wish the world had many more like you. You are my personal HERO. All my best, Jim

[elizabethkamburis]

I am so inspired, you are an amazing young man! Thank you for spreading the awareness. I am the mother of a 12 year old boy with high functioning Autism.

[annangelzachariah]

Whoever did thumbs down have no idea about emotions and what others feel than people with autism who are tagged as people with difficulty to understand others ..

[miriammaldonado]

Benjamin you're a role model...we need for you to continue educating most people...parents should be kind to their children, and able to break those barriers. Thank you for let us know how is to leave with autism, and excell like you!

[sailorathena]

I like this kid already he's one of the faces of autism, I have a misdiagnosis of autism since the age of 4 and when I was younger it was a little difficult for me to make friends, by the time I was a little older I went to The Monarch School in Houston, Tx and I learned self awareness of how my emotions affected others, relationship development how to get along with others and use teamwork, executive functioning to organize a task list and try to get organized, and academic competence to use your skills you learned and use them in the real world as well.

[ic]

Fair play Benji. Your mom is amazing and deserves a medal. Iv had a nightmare life due to not being diagnosed as a child. I'm in my 40s and I'm a monster now. Keep up the good work brother.

[mikets]

thank you for speaking out! it's beyond great to hear another human being who tells your mind, and it helps me feel that the endless frustrations of inability to connect with normal people and loneliness are ... shareable, so it's not so bad as it appears. your efforts and results are so encouraging, and what you've done is awesome!

[shadoweaglebear]

Brought tears too my someone just brought most of my experiances as a kid and now.

[damienchalmers]

Congratulations young man. A very well presented speech. A true credit to your family and friends!

[beanbeanster]

Wow! You're awesome Benjamin and so is your Mum. You've got a big beautiful heart and you're helping so many different people. People that have autism, people who know people with autism and people that are watching your talk because they were drawn in by your sweet open face. Who knows who they'll meet in the future and remember the adorable Benjamin and his love of fun jokes. My son has autism too and he's great with the jokes to. Thanks for your knowledge and open talk about something many people would swiftly brush away before they got the chance to meet and learn all the fun things about autism too. Great talk fab Benjamin! ☺

[kiki_eq]

This was simply fantastic. Powerful message and eloquently communicated.

[jodo]

I wish we had a world filled with Bens! Good job brother

[amandahsieh]

Such a fine and courageous young man. Bravo for his talk. Congratulation to his parents for raising such a beautiful mind.

[TheMk]

You have courage to speak and it's benefits you and everyone else who listen's.

[ruth]

So glad there are amazing people like this guy to both demonstrate and bring out the best in everyone and create a happier world.
Thankyou Benjamin and also all those great people who have either supported you or followed your example. Wow!!