Autism Light Classic
Updated on June 9, 2012.
Autism Light #1 is Carly Fleischmann.
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| Carly and her Father Arthur Fleischmann |
Carly Fleischmann is a teenage girl with autism who after years of being unable to communicate with the world is utilizing her computer keyboard to write and communicate with the world. Carly Fleischmann is from Toronto, Ontario, Canada and now that she has her voice is an effective proponent of autism awareness. Carly Fleischmann is an Autism Light for the way her assisted communication is opening a window into the thoughts of nonverbal people with autism.
Carly's Voice website describes her amazing renaissance in this way:
At the age of two, Carly Fleischmann was diagnosed with severe autism and an oral motor condition that prevented her from speaking. Doctors predicted that she would never intellectually develop beyond the abilities of a small child. Although she made some progress after years of intensive behavioral and communication therapy, Carly remained largely unreachable. Then, at the age of ten, she had a breakthrough.
While working with her devoted therapists Howie and Barb, Carly reached over to their laptop and typed in "HELP TEETH HURT," much to everyone's astonishment. This was the beginning of Carly's journey toward self-realization (Source).
Awards: In June, 2008 she won the Multi-Cultural Achievement Award from MBC Global.
Carly's Voice: Carly Fleishchmann and her father Arthur Fleischmann co-authored the book Carly's Voice. It was published in April, 2012. The book may be ordered from Simon & Schuster and you can read excerpts at Carly's website at http://www.carlysvoice.com/. The following is a video trailer for the book.
20/20: This 20/20 news story from YouTube shows that Carly has a lot to say and also shows some snapshots of how professionals and parents interacted with her during this amazing breakthrough.
The Talk: Carly Fleischmann was interviewed by Holly Robinson Peete at The Talk in 2011. Holly Robinson Peete is Autism Light #100. Holly Robinson Peete has said, "Carly is--for me--autism's fiercest and most valuable advocate".
Jewish Faith: Carly Fleischmann is Jewish and receives help from her faith. She was named Jew of the Week by jewoftheweek.net. Carly Fleischmann wrote, "Shouldn't religion be meaningful in our daily lives? My name is Carly Fleischmann and I'm proud to be a Jew (Carly Fleischmann, as Quoted by Jew of the Week)."
Other Articles: Here are some other news articles on Carly Fleischmann.
Social Media: You can follow Carly Fleischmann on the following social media:
Special thanks to Carly Fleischmann for being an Autism Light. It is her renaissance as a young lady with autism that inspired the beginning of the Autism Light blog series back on June 22, 2011. There might never have been an Autism Light blog if it wasn't for her story touching the blogger and autism father who created Autism Light. Here's wishing the best for Carly Fleischmann. Something tells us we'll be hearing a lot more from her in the future.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Photos: The photos in this post were used with permission of Jessica Roth of Simon and Schuster.
Hey Carly, I just wanted to say hello, and I am so excited to see how amazing you are! You are amazing!! Just wanted you to know!! Laura
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your amazing inspiring story with the world. So the world will have the light to show them the way to help autistic people better, and to understand them better.
ReplyDeleteToon (Thailand)
The story of YOU melts my heart and touches me to the point of tears. I'm so thrilled that someone of your intelligence and gift for communicating to the world has found a way to reach so many people. More people need to understand what autism is. Thank you for being a guiding light. Much love and well wishes sent your way/sent to your family. You are appreciated, you are heard, you are received..
ReplyDeleteI bought your book on Saturday and finished the whole thing by Sunday afternoon. I just could not put it down! You have an amazing family! You also have an amazing group of teachers who seem to have helped you by "thinking outside the box" and trying new ideas. I am so thankful that you have found your voice! I can't wait to read your Elephant Princess novel when you are done with it!
ReplyDeleteI Carly. I just wanted you to know that your story warms my heart. My Brother David, has Aspergers, and often times I can feel that he wants to do what is right, but sometimes doesn't know how. Sometimes he acts out but in a way it would seem he can't control. I wonder if sitting down with him and having him even just write, would help me understand how he is feeling? Anyway, I just want to say, keep up the great work. You are one amazing person. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Carly, what a blessing for everyone that you found your voice! Our precious grandson has autism but he is learning to speak, though it is hard for him we know he wants to talk so we work very hard to give him every opportunity to learn everything he can. He is very smart, like you he knows lots of stuff but it's hard for him to get it out of his head & into ours!
ReplyDeleteGod bless you, He made you & Matthew very special.
Hi Carly, I was wondering if you have ever heard of; or are aware of something called the Kundalini syndrome. You can find basic information on it here,
ReplyDeletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kundalini_syndrome
Being a practitioner of esoteric wisdom AND having Asperger's syndrome, I can tell you that the symptoms are similar in the same way that influenza and cold symptoms are similar. There are outwardly-similar ideas, but in autism there is no link to kundalini to explain the issues.
DeleteIn the same way, people have tried to link fibromyalgia and other pain disorders to kundalini. However, in such cases, kundalini syndrome has usually been linked to imbalances in the body which can be handled by ayurvedic dietary changes, and which fade over time.
Thus, kundalini syndrome is temporary in nature, while Carly's symptoms are chronic in nature, indicating that they are not the same.
Autism is just as prevalent in India as it is in the Americas and the rest of the world. And when your body doesn't do what you want it to because of the way your brain is physically wired, it makes things difficult to control.
In my own experience, I can say that I have experienced both my own autism symptoms (which are very mild) and kundalini syndrome (as a result of esoteric practice).
Hope this helps you, owldo!
Thanks for your reply and explanation. Because of the similarities to Aspergers's I just had to suggest the possibility of Kundalini syndrome.
DeleteSo happy for you. Our son has been labeled profoundly gifted from the things I have seen it is just a small step to the side of your travels, glad you are finding your way out.
ReplyDeleteStay strong and continue to grow..... Mom & Dad you did and are doing a fantastic job!
George Kostis