I am on the Autism spectrum. While I am high-functioning and intelligent, that doesn't mean people always react positively when I tell them I have Autism.View Story ▼I am on the Autism spectrum. While I am high-functioning and intelligent, that doesn't mean people always react positively when I tell them I have Autism. Although I have never personally been called the r-word, I have heard people say it many times when referring to people with Autism. Even though they aren't talking about me personally, I still take it that way because I feel like I am a voice and an advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves and are being talked about this way. I also work with and teach children with special needs, including but not limited to children with Autism. People with special needs are not "dumb" or "stupid" or anything that qualifies anyone to call them the r-word. They can do anything they set their mind to, especially if they have help and support from others. These children teach me new things everyday, even though I'm supposed to be teaching them. Nobody deserves to be called the r-word. Everyone deserves love, understanding, and acceptance.
About Kelcy Tekell:I am a currently a preschool teacher that has experience working with special needs children. I was diagnosed with high-functioning autism (Aspergers syndrome) when I was 19 years old.
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