For the first fourteen years of his life, Gordy Baylinson couldn't communicate.
His parents didn’t think it was possible. Up until two years ago, they assumed that he couldn’t even understand what they were saying, never mind communicate independently.
But thanks to a year of training, Gordy (16) from Virginia learned to use a QWERTY keyboard. Since then, it’s become clear that, autistic or not, this boy can write.
And he wrote a deeply touching letter about mental health awareness, which featured in The Washington Post.
His subject of choice? Autistic people and law enforcement.
“My name is Gordy, and I am a teenager with non-speaking autism,” Gordy wrote, in a letter addressed to a police officer.
“I prefer this term rather than low-functioning, because if I am typing you this letter, which I am, I am clearly functioning.”
“I felt very strongly about writing you today, to give a little extra insight on the disconnected links that were supposed to make my brain and body work together in harmony.”
Gordy goes on to explain the struggles that he faces, especially with the physical signs of his condition.
Describing daily life as a “tug-of-war”, he said “my brain, which is much like yours, knows what it wants and how to make that clear.”
“My body, which is much like a drunken, almost six foot toddler, resists.”
But Gordy’s not after sympathy. What he wants is something much more useful: understanding and compassion.
“Pity is not what I’m looking for. I love myself just the way I am, drunken toddler body and all. This letter is however, a cry for attention, recognition and acceptance.”
Continuing, he writes one of the most moving and eloquent lines of the whole letter.
“With your attention, I can help you recognise the signs of nonspeaking autism,” he writes.
“If you can recognise the signs, then you will be able to recognise our difference which then leads to the understanding of those differences which brings us to the wonders of acceptance.”
The signs of nonspeaking autism are often physical, he says.
Signs to look out for include “flapping hands or some other socially unacceptable movement, words, noises or behaviour in general.”
But Gordy doesn’t just want people to be able to recognise the signs. He wants us to realise that these behaviours are entirely out of the person’s control.
“With a mind and feelings much like everyone else’s, do you truly believe we like acting that way? I don’t, that’s for sure.”
Non-speaking autistic people sometimes come into contact with the police, who are often unsure of how to deal with the unusual situation.
So Gordy finishes his letter with some advice for well-meaning police officers.
“If one becomes aggressive, with biting or hitting for example, obviously protect yourself but there is no reason to use aggression in return. Remember, this aggression, is an uncontrollable reaction, most likely triggered by fear.”
“Nothing means more to people like us than respect. I can tell you with almost one hundred percent certainty the situation will go down a lot easier with this knowledge.”
Wow. Gordy might have issues with communication, but his way with words is superior to most. What a boy!
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