Second Life with Autism

"The internet has been to autistic community what sign language has been to the deaf community." This is a quote from a video I watched on YouTube called Second Life with Autism. In this video they talk about how the internet has impacted the lives of people with autism. Things such as blogging and a website called Second Life have impacted two of the people in the video.

Joshua using blogging as a source of communication and uses it to stand up for himself. Amanda has autism too but she, along with many people who have autism, does not believe that it is a disorder but just another way of living. She can still communicate through the internet and uses Second Life as a sources of communication. I think it is awesome for someone like Amanda to be so proud of who they are. 

People with autism want it to be seen as a personality trait not a disability. However, people are worried that it will take away from the emphasis that they do need guidance and assistance. 

So how can we as teachers help students with autism in the classroom? They say they internet has been a great way for them to communicate with other people who are autistic and to stand up for themselves. We should encourage students to feel good about themselves and love who they are. I think things such as the Second Life website and blogging are a great way for students with autism to get their voice out there.

Learn more about autism at http://www.autism-society.org

Watch Amanda's video as she takes us into the life of autism. 

photo: flickr.com/pathfinderlinden