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The Conversation
The Conversation
Timothy HoYuan Chan, PhD Candidate, Sociology, Faculty of Education and Arts, Australian Catholic University

I’m autistic and don’t speak. Here’s what I want you to know

Kateryna Kovarzh/Getty

My travels with autism started long before my diagnosis at the age of three years and three months.

My family noticed autistic features from around 15 months of age. I never looked at people and did not respond when called. I lined up toys instead of playing with them. When I wanted something, I took people’s hand to get it for me. I had frequent meltdowns in busy environments or when routines changed unexpectedly, but I couldn’t let people know why I was upset.

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