‘Non-speaking Autism: Experiences from the frontline’

Tim Chan an adult autistic non-speaker, diagnosed at three. He has complex communication and high support needs with many autistic challenges including intense hypersensitivities, high anxiety, information processing and movement coordination issues translating to not being able to develop speech or independence. At nine, he picked up an Augmentative and Alternative Communication method via partner assisted typing (PAT) or facilitated communication. With assiduous practice, he has been able to type with minimal physical support. Using PAT, Tim has been able to connect with people and engage with the world, including graduating from mainstream high school, and recently completed his BA Honours at university. Tim is passionate about advocating for people with little or no speech and he feels privileged to be involved in a number of advocacy organisations to work towards access, participation and inclusion for people with disability. This journey has been long and arduous, but also highly rewarding with meeting many allies and friends along the way. The journey continues…