Spring Break
The Daily OrangeSU student shares experiences, hardships from life with autism
By Christina Simmons
Posted: 4/25/07, 1:23 AM EST Section: Feature
Nothing is impossible if you ask Jamie Burke. After a lifelong struggle with autism, Burke is now a freshman at Syracuse University in the College of Human Services and Health Professions, and he is finally able to communicate all because he never gave up. In honor of National Autism month, Burke shared his message of hope and dignity in an effort to help the world understand and embrace the struggles of autism.
In his self-written and narrated video presentation, "Inside the Edge," Burke speaks out about his journey to verbal communication.
"Have you ever felt trapped and the door was open and you ran outside and shouted 'YEAH?'" Burke questioned viewers.
Burke was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3, began learning to type as a means of communication at 4 and now, at 20, is able to verbally speak using a device called a Lightwriter. Burke types his thoughts and slowly repeats words as he types them. He then smoothly reads back his sentences.
Autism is a developmental disability that affects the central nervous system and inhibits social interaction, communication and symbolism. It often restricts verbal communication, but the mind is still able to quickly process thoughts.
With the Lightwriter, which costs about $5,000, the user is able to actually express his or her thoughts.
Sheree Burke, Burke's mother, explained that in a process spanning six months, her son first used the voice on the machine, then repeated what it said, progressed to match it and eventually asked to turn it off because he wanted to hear his own voice.
Burke explained his excitement with finally being able to verbally communicate.
"It feels like freedom from autism," Burke said, "I know how to read all the words; I just have trouble pronouncing them all the time."
With an outpouring of support, Burke was able to complete his education in an inclusive environment through the Westhill School District.
Chris Kenah, school psychologist, met Jamie in kindergarten and really got to know him through middle school.
In his self-written and narrated video presentation, "Inside the Edge," Burke speaks out about his journey to verbal communication.
"Have you ever felt trapped and the door was open and you ran outside and shouted 'YEAH?'" Burke questioned viewers.
Burke was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3, began learning to type as a means of communication at 4 and now, at 20, is able to verbally speak using a device called a Lightwriter. Burke types his thoughts and slowly repeats words as he types them. He then smoothly reads back his sentences.
Autism is a developmental disability that affects the central nervous system and inhibits social interaction, communication and symbolism. It often restricts verbal communication, but the mind is still able to quickly process thoughts.
With the Lightwriter, which costs about $5,000, the user is able to actually express his or her thoughts.
Sheree Burke, Burke's mother, explained that in a process spanning six months, her son first used the voice on the machine, then repeated what it said, progressed to match it and eventually asked to turn it off because he wanted to hear his own voice.
Burke explained his excitement with finally being able to verbally communicate.
"It feels like freedom from autism," Burke said, "I know how to read all the words; I just have trouble pronouncing them all the time."
With an outpouring of support, Burke was able to complete his education in an inclusive environment through the Westhill School District.
Chris Kenah, school psychologist, met Jamie in kindergarten and really got to know him through middle school.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Larry
posted 4/25/07 @ 3:49 AM EST
I hope the therapy will continue to do wonders.
I also hope that in the near future a more universal program catering for autistic children that are low-functioning can be developed. (Continued…)
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