Breaking barriers of autism: the power of kindness and friendship | Benjamin Tarasewicz | TEDxCU

แชร์
ฝัง
  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 พ.ค. 2015
  • Benjamin Tarasewicz, a high-schooler with autism, provides inspirational stories and tips for reaching out to people with “differences;” also highlighted are talents that can go along with “disability.” Benjamin is an award-winning public speaker, musician, and actor; he was honored with the 2013 Temple Grandin Award and is the subject of a prize-winning book titled, “Benjamin Breaking Barriers: Autism - A Journey of Hope.”
    Since age 17, Benjamin has been regularly giving lectures about living with autism; he speaks at conferences, at universities and colleges, at middle-schools and high-schools, and at community venues. He has been featured in various news articles and on TV, has spoken for Talented and Gifted conferences and Autism symposia, and was a keynote speaker at the 2014 national conference of the US Autism & Asperger Association.
    Benjamin loves performing in choir and musical theater productions, and he is passionate about the great outdoors. He also enjoys creative writing, and collaborates with his mother in posting to “Benjamin Breaking Barriers: Autism Blog.”
    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

ความคิดเห็น • 140

  • @soularddave2
    @soularddave2 6 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    So sincere. That's an ability lacking in many, many people these days.

  • @TheMusicPinkLover91
    @TheMusicPinkLover91 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    There is nothing more affective than listening about Autism from a person who has gone through it.

  • @lolalocks9163
    @lolalocks9163 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    He has perfect enunciation

  • @pianoman2276
    @pianoman2276 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I have autism too, and I'm also trying to break barriers. That was an awesome speech!

  • @kiki_eq
    @kiki_eq 9 ปีที่แล้ว +52

    This was simply fantastic. Powerful message and eloquently communicated.

  • @elizabethkamburis9629
    @elizabethkamburis9629 6 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    I am so inspired, you are an amazing young man! Thank you for spreading the awareness. I am the mother of a 12 year old boy with high functioning Autism.

  • @eleanorunicorn2839
    @eleanorunicorn2839 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    “These days, I’m thinking ‘who might need a hand with being included’” was so beautiful it made me cry, thank you for this talk, I hope that the young man is doing well 😊

  • @jimmymiller77
    @jimmymiller77 6 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    You are such a beautiful person, I wish the world had many more like you. You are my personal HERO. All my best, Jim

  • @damienchalmers
    @damienchalmers 7 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Congratulations young man. A very well presented speech. A true credit to your family and friends!

  • @lariabraham8993
    @lariabraham8993 7 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Benjamin, you are breaking down barriers every day-- in so many ways! I'm SO proud to know you! Excellent job, my friend.

  • @nobodyimportant428
    @nobodyimportant428 7 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    His smile makes me smile.

  • @beanbeanster7219
    @beanbeanster7219 7 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Wow! You're awesome Benjamin and so is your Mum. You've got a big beautiful heart and you're helping so many different people. People that have autism, people who know people with autism and people that are watching your talk because they were drawn in by your sweet open face. Who knows who they'll meet in the future and remember the adorable Benjamin and his love of fun jokes. My son has autism too and he's great with the jokes to. Thanks for your knowledge and open talk about something many people would swiftly brush away before they got the chance to meet and learn all the fun things about autism too. Great talk fab Benjamin! ☺

  • @sailorathena17
    @sailorathena17 8 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    I like this kid already he's one of the faces of autism, I have a misdiagnosis of autism since the age of 4 and when I was younger it was a little difficult for me to make friends, by the time I was a little older I went to The Monarch School in Houston, Tx and I learned self awareness of how my emotions affected others, relationship development how to get along with others and use teamwork, executive functioning to organize a task list and try to get organized, and academic competence to use your skills you learned and use them in the real world as well.

    • @DemetrioLanderos
      @DemetrioLanderos 8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      +Molly Miller Good job! :D

    • @sailorathena17
      @sailorathena17 8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Demetrio Landeros thank you

    • @jefferyford5309
      @jefferyford5309 7 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      That's terrific. You're quite articulate and I hope you'll continue to share your story with others. All My Best!

  • @annangelzachariah4544
    @annangelzachariah4544 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Whoever did thumbs down have no idea about emotions and what others feel than people with autism who are tagged as people with difficulty to understand others ..

  • @miriammaldonado7848
    @miriammaldonado7848 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Benjamin you're a role model...we need for you to continue educating most people...parents should be kind to their children, and able to break those barriers. Thank you for let us know how is to leave with autism, and excell like you!

  • @mikets42
    @mikets42 8 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    thank you for speaking out! it's beyond great to hear another human being who tells your mind, and it helps me feel that the endless frustrations of inability to connect with normal people and loneliness are ... shareable, so it's not so bad as it appears. your efforts and results are so encouraging, and what you've done is awesome!

  • @shadoweaglebear
    @shadoweaglebear 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Brought tears too my eyes..... someone just brought most of my experiances as a kid and now.

  • @danefitzmorris6765
    @danefitzmorris6765 8 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    Wonderful! Benjamin, you are an inspiration.

    • @MiyahSundermeyer
      @MiyahSundermeyer 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Benjamin reminds me of another aut who travels from autism conference to autism conference doing public speaking and art.

    • @coreycox2345
      @coreycox2345 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      What a jewel of a young person, Dane Fitzmorris.

  • @shimari65
    @shimari65 9 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Way to go Benjamin!!!

  • @d3a1990
    @d3a1990 8 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    This is fantastic, inspiring and hopeful! Wonderful message. Working with individuals on the spectrum, so much of this holds true, even as a caregiver.

  • @TheMk596
    @TheMk596 6 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    You have courage to speak and it's benefits you and everyone else who listen's.

  • @ic8466
    @ic8466 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Fair play Benji. Your mom is amazing and deserves a medal. Iv had a nightmare life due to not being diagnosed as a child. I'm in my 40s and I'm a monster now. Keep up the good work brother.

    • @yivmaiden
      @yivmaiden 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @IC please don't use such mean language to describe yourself. you are not the problem - neurotypicals, the majority made a world that excludes neuroatypicals. As such it is so difficult for the minority to cope.

    • @ic8466
      @ic8466 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @yivmaiden I know, your right. Thank you!!

  • @ChillTheFuckOutMeditations
    @ChillTheFuckOutMeditations 9 ปีที่แล้ว +49

    Great job Ben! You are changing the world with your beautiful self. xo

    • @pastichegraham
      @pastichegraham 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      River Roberts do you really?!😱😱😱💟💟💟💟

    • @pastichegraham
      @pastichegraham 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I AGREE!!💟💟💜💜

    • @johndifrancisco3642
      @johndifrancisco3642 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      River Roberts, SUE THAT SCHOOL!!! :)

  • @jodo1971
    @jodo1971 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I wish we had a world filled with Bens! Good job brother

  • @kmattez3397
    @kmattez3397 9 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Thank you so much sweetheart you have given a new to this mummy a huge amount of inspiration for my little boy .....you are amazing and so is your mummy

  • @amandahsieh6516
    @amandahsieh6516 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Such a fine and courageous young man. Bravo for his talk. Congratulation to his parents for raising such a beautiful mind.

  • @ruth6833
    @ruth6833 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    So glad there are amazing people like this guy to both demonstrate and bring out the best in everyone and create a happier world.
    Thankyou Benjamin and also all those great people who have either supported you or followed your example. Wow!!

  • @amandamarasco7530
    @amandamarasco7530 6 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    This was an amazing speech and truly inspired me and many people. Ben you are amazing and you are truly inspiring! xx

  • @jnbstuffnthings2699
    @jnbstuffnthings2699 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Beautiful from a autism mom this is inspiration at it's best big hugs

  • @indukafley9667
    @indukafley9667 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Wow, this is soo good to be able to get understood by the neurotypical frens

  • @Cavilla69
    @Cavilla69 6 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION. BRILLIANT SPEECH, ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT

  • @kathykaltenbach2093
    @kathykaltenbach2093 9 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Well done, Benjamin! Insightful and positive. I'm sharing your Ted Talk. Giving you a virtual "high- five"

  • @paulmichaelgregory2240
    @paulmichaelgregory2240 8 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Beautiful and inspiring .Thanks for sharing !

  • @instant_mint
    @instant_mint 7 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    I love this video. Very inspiring.

  • @moonpriest8016
    @moonpriest8016 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I love this speech so deep and true for someone with autism

  • @itsstillmekenia
    @itsstillmekenia 7 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    such an inspiration💕

  • @ronaldparsons9213
    @ronaldparsons9213 7 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Hi Benjamin ty for post outstanding job very inspiring and powerful you truly have a gift from above please continue your wonderful insights and speaking i think your truly a courageous and gifted young man

  • @melmill1164
    @melmill1164 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    So inspiring and so detailed about the reality of what these kids go through.

  • @demonbunnny
    @demonbunnny 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    He's lovely. What an amazing human.

  • @Ms-yv5li
    @Ms-yv5li 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    YOU ARE PHENOMENAL .

  • @jomythomas5985
    @jomythomas5985 7 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I am proud of u & ur mom. At what age u started to talk...

  • @alinaadamut
    @alinaadamut 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you, Ben! I love your brave heart!

  • @PrivatePyle9999
    @PrivatePyle9999 8 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Great video, you really did an awesome job.

  • @sarahleach9997
    @sarahleach9997 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    You are adorable.thank you for your talk😁😁😁😁

  • @RedCloudBeechWaveAhh
    @RedCloudBeechWaveAhh 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you, brother Benjamin, for all your work and perseverance; it helps all of us!

  • @TheMk596
    @TheMk596 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Amazing job with your speech, I know how difficult it was for you. But you've come this far in progress. It's good to see there is help.

  • @thisisreal1437
    @thisisreal1437 8 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    This guy is so cute

  • @eveyeve834
    @eveyeve834 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    This story brought tears to my eyes

  • @najatosman8314
    @najatosman8314 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great job Ben you gave me hope

  • @jaykay1053
    @jaykay1053 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Congratulations, Benjamin, on a great talk! I really enjoyed listening to your ideas. My favourite is what you said about kindness being something that everyone can practice, daily. I had fun with your jokes; I laughed. Right now, at your suggestion, I'm thinking hard about using straightforward language because I think it's a great idea. I hope you are still involved with your acting group, going to dances and enjoying establishing friendships. I wish you well.

  • @nefelibata4190
    @nefelibata4190 9 ปีที่แล้ว +41

    I hate being autistic, I lose friends so fast I barely get to know people before they leave me ..

    • @emptyfly
      @emptyfly 9 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      tardcakez hug :)

    • @nefelibata4190
      @nefelibata4190 9 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      emptyfly *huggles* ty.

    • @dawnqwerty
      @dawnqwerty 8 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      *Huggles*

    • @bexyevans777
      @bexyevans777 8 ปีที่แล้ว +19

      Don't! Once you learn how to accept yourself and embrace it, it can change your life in more positive ways if you allow it to. I'm also autistic, and I've realised that it can be worked upon. Do you believe the same for yourself? :)

    • @landomagnus7516
      @landomagnus7516 8 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      huggles

  • @johndifrancisco3642
    @johndifrancisco3642 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    This came up again in my suggested videos and I had to watch it again, I want to scoop this guy up and make him part of my life. He has so much he can teach "normal" people. That and he is cute as all get out ;)

  • @thisischris5351
    @thisischris5351 ปีที่แล้ว

    what a bright and shining sunbeam

  • @lomartinez9192
    @lomartinez9192 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This was wonderful! Fantastic advice!!

  • @MiyahSundermeyer
    @MiyahSundermeyer 7 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    He sounds like my friend DJ Svoboda who creates art called "My Imagiville" and works at various autism conferences selling that art.

  • @waterdrop9423
    @waterdrop9423 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for this talk. We can all learn from each other.

  • @kenyabarge9085
    @kenyabarge9085 9 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    😄 its nice to know you Benjamin and working with you. I think you are a very awesome nice hardworker. You are like everybody else, no different.😆

  • @bbpride1968
    @bbpride1968 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Ben, you are awsome and very enlightening.

  • @madhusharma9949
    @madhusharma9949 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent! Couldn't be better!

  • @gennapirigyi4817
    @gennapirigyi4817 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    So brave and sweet!! Thank you for sharing kiddo!! You make me have so much hope for my little girl

  • @annangelzachariah4544
    @annangelzachariah4544 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Smart dear ..keep going...God bless...u and ur mom is an inspiration .

  • @kidxkuro
    @kidxkuro ปีที่แล้ว

    happy for you benjamin

  • @SanjayShah
    @SanjayShah 7 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Thanks to this inspirational video.

  • @beyourself4996
    @beyourself4996 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    You're are so amazing guys ! 😊😊❤

  • @thaorush1558
    @thaorush1558 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    It is a very inspring speech Benjamin. Great work.

  • @HenryWinehard
    @HenryWinehard 9 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Thumbs up!

  • @energymom8467
    @energymom8467 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    How beautiful

  • @maxmorimoto6481
    @maxmorimoto6481 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Throughout middle and high school Ive heard a lot of offenseive jokes of people with autism and other kinds of different people 😢 i really wish they’d understand people with differences and stop

  • @pb4287
    @pb4287 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Brilliant, well done

  • @MilanMulji
    @MilanMulji 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    awesome talk.

  • @weplop9937
    @weplop9937 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love it! Thanks for inspiring the world. We LOVE special needs people! We save and help their lives.

  • @sbsman4998
    @sbsman4998 8 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    Education and knowledge is important yes but bullies are INCURABLE. Best thing for them is a good warning and mean it, then a swift punch to the nose, few broken ribs work also. The bullying will quickly end.

    • @myHEXOR
      @myHEXOR 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      sounds like bullshit :]

    • @sciencetroll3208
      @sciencetroll3208 7 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I've done that; it works.

    • @sbsman4998
      @sbsman4998 7 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Bullies go on their merry way, abusing, making fun of, excluding, setting people up and then one fine day they run across someone, like me, who stops them. Do it for others not yourself. and the swifter and direct your actions the more effective.

    • @sciencetroll3208
      @sciencetroll3208 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      SBS man I've done that stuff, yeah way to go. Smashed a bully to pieces decades later, casts and crutches, all good, all fair. My applause to everyone else who does.

    • @Lincorn1
      @Lincorn1 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      You know what..... those who bully, are also people...maybe they themselves have autism sometimes... they have a inner world they have put together due to surroundings too.. and they react out of those interpretation they have made of the world, just like everyone else. They dont need a punch. And here's a thought, we are animals, animals bully eachother, its almost in our blood, but as humans we can have the ability to reflect on WHY or atleast on why we think we do such things, and even that may not be the end of the story, first lets all find out who/what we even are before going into anything else...through that, we figure out what/who everyone/everything is.

  • @madisnyder8345
    @madisnyder8345 7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    soooooooo goooood!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • @Jixejo
    @Jixejo 8 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    you are my friend, even if you are not there :P

  • @grapail
    @grapail 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That joke got me

  • @keilavirginia
    @keilavirginia 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Amazing, my son has autism too he is 7, ans he is great like u

  • @laurenmarzlock3419
    @laurenmarzlock3419 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice conversation Ben. I'm on the spectrum as well.

  • @williwin1554
    @williwin1554 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    So cute ! 😍

  • @thecrazybutter-flyy6498
    @thecrazybutter-flyy6498 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    He came to our school today

  • @miriammaldonado7848
    @miriammaldonado7848 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thumbs down? You have no respect, or kindness...you are a bully.

    • @sekainiheiwa3650
      @sekainiheiwa3650 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      All thumbs down who support criminals , praise damaged kids, misleading parents and the biggest crime against humanity continuous because of thumbs up. Time to thumbs down and to wake up.

  • @garyg6000
    @garyg6000 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great job, Benjamin. Thanks for the jokes!

  • @OtizmTV
    @OtizmTV 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    This kid :)

  • @michellewang5712
    @michellewang5712 9 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    so brave...wow

  • @theducksanctuary951
    @theducksanctuary951 ปีที่แล้ว

    ❤❤❤

  • @kassi4837
    @kassi4837 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I like bagels ! Free bagels at the bayyy :)

  • @anhtoniovuvaldi867
    @anhtoniovuvaldi867 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I don't know, did his parents or his psychiatrist told him to smile like that? It's easier to watch him talk when he has less strained expressions, like none at all for example

  • @gratefulkm
    @gratefulkm 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    why is he reciting words written down ? and not speaking from his own mind

  • @williamoarlock8634
    @williamoarlock8634 ปีที่แล้ว

    Friendship is based on money. Kindness is egotism.

  • @laurabeigh283
    @laurabeigh283 ปีที่แล้ว

    Brain differences? Ok. PC speech. I am blind. Guess I have eye differences LOL

  • @darshankv
    @darshankv 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    IMHO you desperately need to learn about alternative non-pathologizing views on autism - neurodiversity, social model of disability, intense world theory... This seems very unnatural and not authentic.

    • @lomartinez9192
      @lomartinez9192 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Awww look at the super smart guy with the super big words 🤭

    • @LouieAblett
      @LouieAblett 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      You probably need to get a diagnosis for a form of autism yourself bud, in the nicest possible way.

  • @shannoncurry2037
    @shannoncurry2037 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    This speech was so annoying. It sounds like hes reading. ( i know he is but u know what i mean.)

    • @kerrieberroyer8668
      @kerrieberroyer8668 6 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      not knowing Benjamin personally, but i am assuming he is presenting himself in the best way he can. Maybe he needs to read to get his words out clearly and to keep on track....the very point of this speech is to accept our differences. many of us are annoying....this guy is standing up and bothering to spread some kind of knowledge and acceptance, kindness , spreading that is always a good thing

    • @belleberroyer3054
      @belleberroyer3054 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      i agree which is what i was saying, my son is non verbal and i have met many autistic people who strife to have a voice and to fit in, he is doing a truly wonderful job and i accept him completely, and yes i too would love to meet this young man ....