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

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  • Опубліковано 3 тра 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

КОМЕНТАРІ • 139

  • @soularddave2
    @soularddave2 6 років тому +26

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

  • @TheMusicPinkLover91
    @TheMusicPinkLover91 3 роки тому +3

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

  • @kiki_eq
    @kiki_eq 9 років тому +52

    This was simply fantastic. Powerful message and eloquently communicated.

  • @elizabethkamburis9629
    @elizabethkamburis9629 6 років тому +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.

  • @pianoman2276
    @pianoman2276 4 роки тому +8

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

  • @eleanorunicorn2839
    @eleanorunicorn2839 2 роки тому +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 😊

  • @lariabraham8993
    @lariabraham8993 7 років тому +15

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

  • @jimmymiller77
    @jimmymiller77 6 років тому +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 років тому +14

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

  • @lolalocks9163
    @lolalocks9163 4 роки тому +6

    He has perfect enunciation

  • @sailorathena17
    @sailorathena17 8 років тому +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 років тому +2

      +Molly Miller Good job! :D

    • @sailorathena17
      @sailorathena17 8 років тому +2

      Demetrio Landeros thank you

    • @jefferyford5309
      @jefferyford5309 7 років тому +7

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

  • @mikets42
    @mikets42 8 років тому +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!

  • @beanbeanster7219
    @beanbeanster7219 7 років тому +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! ☺

  • @miriammaldonado7848
    @miriammaldonado7848 6 років тому +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!

  • @nobodyimportant428
    @nobodyimportant428 7 років тому +16

    His smile makes me smile.

  • @shadoweaglebear
    @shadoweaglebear 6 років тому +4

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

  • @annangelzachariah4544
    @annangelzachariah4544 4 роки тому +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 ..

  • @d3a1990
    @d3a1990 8 років тому +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.

  • @ic8466
    @ic8466 5 років тому +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 роки тому +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 роки тому +1

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

  • @ChillTheFuckOutMeditations
    @ChillTheFuckOutMeditations 9 років тому +49

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

  • @TheMk596
    @TheMk596 6 років тому +5

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

  • @danefitzmorris6765
    @danefitzmorris6765 8 років тому +33

    Wonderful! Benjamin, you are an inspiration.

    • @MiyahSundermeyer
      @MiyahSundermeyer 7 років тому

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

    • @coreycox2345
      @coreycox2345 3 роки тому +1

      What a jewel of a young person, Dane Fitzmorris.

  • @jodo1971
    @jodo1971 6 років тому +3

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

  • @kathykaltenbach2093
    @kathykaltenbach2093 9 років тому +17

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

  • @kmattez3397
    @kmattez3397 9 років тому +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

  • @ruth6833
    @ruth6833 3 роки тому +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!!

  • @amandahsieh6516
    @amandahsieh6516 2 роки тому +1

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

  • @shimari65
    @shimari65 9 років тому +13

    Way to go Benjamin!!!

  • @nefelibata4190
    @nefelibata4190 9 років тому +41

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

    • @emptyfly
      @emptyfly 9 років тому +5

      tardcakez hug :)

    • @nefelibata4190
      @nefelibata4190 9 років тому +3

      emptyfly *huggles* ty.

    • @dawnqwerty
      @dawnqwerty 8 років тому +6

      *Huggles*

    • @bexyevans777
      @bexyevans777 8 років тому +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 років тому +3

      huggles

  • @amandamarasco7530
    @amandamarasco7530 6 років тому +6

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

  • @ronaldparsons9213
    @ronaldparsons9213 7 років тому +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

  • @Cavilla69
    @Cavilla69 6 років тому +6

    YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION. BRILLIANT SPEECH, ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT

  • @indukafley9667
    @indukafley9667 2 роки тому +1

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

  • @melmill1164
    @melmill1164 6 років тому +3

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

  • @paulmichaelgregory2240
    @paulmichaelgregory2240 8 років тому +7

    Beautiful and inspiring .Thanks for sharing !

  • @moonpriest8016
    @moonpriest8016 5 років тому +2

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

  • @jnbstuffnthings2699
    @jnbstuffnthings2699 11 місяців тому

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

  • @instant_mint
    @instant_mint 7 років тому +15

    I love this video. Very inspiring.

  • @TheMk596
    @TheMk596 6 років тому +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.

  • @jomythomas5985
    @jomythomas5985 7 років тому +6

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

  • @RedCloudBeechWaveAhh
    @RedCloudBeechWaveAhh 3 роки тому

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

  • @demonbunnny
    @demonbunnny 5 років тому +1

    He's lovely. What an amazing human.

  • @MiyahSundermeyer
    @MiyahSundermeyer 7 років тому +5

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

  • @johndifrancisco3642
    @johndifrancisco3642 6 років тому

    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 ;)

  • @itsstillmekenia
    @itsstillmekenia 7 років тому +11

    such an inspiration💕

  • @kenyabarge9085
    @kenyabarge9085 9 років тому +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.😆

  • @alinaadamut
    @alinaadamut 6 років тому +1

    Thank you, Ben! I love your brave heart!

  • @PrivatePyle9999
    @PrivatePyle9999 8 років тому +9

    Great video, you really did an awesome job.

  • @sarahleach9997
    @sarahleach9997 6 років тому +4

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

  • @thisisreal1437
    @thisisreal1437 8 років тому +27

    This guy is so cute

  • @jaykay1053
    @jaykay1053 4 роки тому +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.

  • @eveyeve834
    @eveyeve834 2 роки тому

    This story brought tears to my eyes

  • @waterdrop9423
    @waterdrop9423 3 роки тому

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

  • @gennapirigyi4817
    @gennapirigyi4817 6 років тому

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

  • @lomartinez9192
    @lomartinez9192 6 років тому +2

    This was wonderful! Fantastic advice!!

  • @Ms-yv5li
    @Ms-yv5li 4 роки тому +1

    YOU ARE PHENOMENAL .

  • @bbpride1968
    @bbpride1968 6 років тому +1

    Ben, you are awsome and very enlightening.

  • @annangelzachariah4544
    @annangelzachariah4544 4 роки тому

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

  • @kidxkuro
    @kidxkuro Рік тому

    happy for you benjamin

  • @najatosman8314
    @najatosman8314 6 років тому +2

    Great job Ben you gave me hope

  • @SanjayShah
    @SanjayShah 7 років тому +4

    Thanks to this inspirational video.

  • @thaorush1558
    @thaorush1558 3 роки тому

    It is a very inspring speech Benjamin. Great work.

  • @beyourself4996
    @beyourself4996 7 років тому +2

    You're are so amazing guys ! 😊😊❤

  • @thisischris5351
    @thisischris5351 Рік тому

    what a bright and shining sunbeam

  • @madhusharma9949
    @madhusharma9949 Рік тому

    Excellent! Couldn't be better!

  • @sbsman4998
    @sbsman4998 8 років тому +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 років тому +1

      sounds like bullshit :]

    • @sciencetroll3208
      @sciencetroll3208 7 років тому +4

      I've done that; it works.

    • @sbsman4998
      @sbsman4998 7 років тому +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 років тому +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 років тому +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.

  • @energymom8467
    @energymom8467 5 років тому +1

    How beautiful

  • @pb4287
    @pb4287 6 років тому +3

    Brilliant, well done

  • @MilanMulji
    @MilanMulji 7 років тому +2

    awesome talk.

  • @maxmorimoto6481
    @maxmorimoto6481 4 роки тому +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

  • @HenryWinehard
    @HenryWinehard 9 років тому +9

    Thumbs up!

  • @weplop9937
    @weplop9937 2 роки тому

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

  • @madisnyder8345
    @madisnyder8345 7 років тому +3

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

  • @grapail
    @grapail 6 років тому +1

    That joke got me

  • @keilavirginia
    @keilavirginia 6 років тому +1

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

  • @williwin1554
    @williwin1554 2 роки тому

    So cute ! 😍

  • @michellewang5712
    @michellewang5712 9 років тому +2

    so brave...wow

  • @thecrazybutter-flyy6498
    @thecrazybutter-flyy6498 7 років тому +2

    He came to our school today

  • @theducksanctuary951
    @theducksanctuary951 Рік тому

    ❤❤❤

  • @garyg6000
    @garyg6000 6 років тому +1

    Great job, Benjamin. Thanks for the jokes!

  • @OtizmTV
    @OtizmTV 5 років тому

    This kid :)

  • @laurenmarzlock3419
    @laurenmarzlock3419 6 років тому

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

  • @miriammaldonado7848
    @miriammaldonado7848 6 років тому +3

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

    • @sekainiheiwa3650
      @sekainiheiwa3650 6 років тому

      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.

  • @kassi4837
    @kassi4837 6 років тому +1

    I like bagels ! Free bagels at the bayyy :)

  • @anhtoniovuvaldi867
    @anhtoniovuvaldi867 4 роки тому +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 років тому

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

  • @williamoarlock8634
    @williamoarlock8634 Рік тому

    Friendship is based on money. Kindness is egotism.

  • @laurabeigh283
    @laurabeigh283 Рік тому

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

  • @darshankv
    @darshankv 7 років тому +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 років тому +2

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

    • @LouieAblett
      @LouieAblett 6 місяців тому

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

  • @shannoncurry2037
    @shannoncurry2037 6 років тому

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

    • @kerrieberroyer8668
      @kerrieberroyer8668 6 років тому +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 років тому +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 ....