How Autism Teaches US About Being Human | Robert Naseef | TEDxArcadiaUniversity

"How Autism Teaches US About Being Human" by Robert Naseef, author & psychologist at Alternative Choices, Philadelphia
Robert Naseef is seasoned by 25 years of professional practice as an independent psychologist with Alternative Choices in Philadelphia. Dr. Naseef's specialty is working with families of children with autism and other special needs. He has published in scholarly journals and other publications. He has a special interest and expertise in the psychology of men and fatherhood. Robert relates to community and professional audiences and is a sought after speaker around the country and internationally and who has appeared on radio and television. In 2008, Robert was honored by Variety, the Children’s Charity for his outstanding contributions over the past 20 years to the autism community.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@RobertNaseef]

On April 2, World Autism Awareness Day, I gave a TEDx talk at Arcadia University on the theme of “The Big Idea.”My title was “How autism teaches us about being human.”
Looking forward to this day, I had written, memorized, planned, and rehearsed.
Nonetheless, as I began telling my story, I was momentarily flooded with emotion. The picture of me holding Tariq at 1 day old with him making eye contact, triggered something I hadn’t planned. It was this time of year in 1981 when my son, Tariq, stopped speaking and started pacing, spinning, and flapping. The words stuck in my throat…
Regaining my balance, I went on to a somewhat different talk than pre-planned. Upon reflection, I wish I had the presence of mind to say right them and there that grief has no schedule. Like autism it’s part of our human nature.
I hope you find my talk helpful and would love hearing your reactions.
Kind regards,
Robert Naseef

[@hirorop5367]

Thank you for this beautiful talk 🙏
I will definitely be watching this over again and taking notes.
Many blessings to you and you family, especially to Tariq.

[@denisefabian5830]

You had me at "hello"...you know your experience mirrors mine with Caleb.