The Benefits of Autism | Zachary Betz | TEDxSouthFayetteHS

89,155

2,331 0

Published 2019-04-18

Description: People with autism are not only just as capable of succeeding in life as people without autism, but also have some advantages to gaining success. Often, people take pity on those with autism, thinking that this is a disadvantage or a burden. Zach will explain how people with autism see problems from a unique perspective and how their different perspectives are beneficial. Zach believes it is important to bring this misconception to light because of the growing number of people diagnosed with autism.

Bio: Zach is a 9th grade student at South Fayette High School. Zach is an active student, passionate about running varsity cross country, track, and participating in student government. He participates in a program called “Random Acts of Kindness,” which brings joy to others through compassionate acts such as making cards for children in hospitals and cancer ribbons to show support. Zach also has a heart for people with mental health issues, actively showing support and kindness to friends. After high school, Zach is interested in pursuing a career in journalism. Zach would like to thank his family for their support throughout his life.
Zach is a 9th grade student at South Fayette High School. Zach is an active student, passionate about running varsity cross country, track, and participating in student government. He participates in implementing a program called “Random Acts of Kindness,” which brings joy to others through compassionate acts such as making cards for children in hospitals and cancer ribbons to show support. Zach also has a heart for people with mental health issues, actively showing support and kindness to friends. After high school, Zach is interested in pursuing a career in journalism. Zach would like to thank his family for their support throughout his life. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

All Comments (21)

@dianabetz8078 5 years ago

This is my son and I learn from him everyday. So proud of his accomplishments.
@snooze-5009 2 years ago

I always saw autism as more of a specialist into a certain thing rather then overall in my opinion. I've got autism myself and I won't lie, I'm useless in social gathering / verbal based communication but excel towards details and in my case, tinkering and repairs since I always found myself fascinated with technology and how it works.
@suzannebryant3107 9 months ago

And, this is why we need to learn to live in their world...NOT teach them to live in our world❤️ Autistic children are teaching us to learn about them❤️ My grandson is my whole world, he knows that I get him, because every day he is teaching me to learn about him....I call him my little blessing🙏 It's amazing on how much I have learned, & continue to learn from him❤️ I get him & he gets me. It makes my heart happy to see him being himself, not caring what others think about him. We both are living our best life because we are in OUR own little world & do not have a care in the world of others judging us for who we are❤️ I am the Ying to his Yang❤️🙏
@alray82 3 years ago

I completed a BSc and MSc. in engineering, published scientific research in my home country, moved to the United States alone with no money, no English, no papers and no family. I have got fired from jobs almost every year. Recently, I was diagnosed with Asperger in my 50s. Now I understand why. Luckily, have survived tutoring Math, Physics and Chemistry. We have to make sure it doesn't happen to future generations.
@Getcha-Pull 2 years ago

Autism can be a superpower! 💙 Show some respect. Chances are that you know some friendos out there that have it too
@RayneBubble. 3 years ago

I believe ASD is as common in girls/women as it is in boys, they are just now learning how to diagnose it in us, since we present differently
@swellel3913 5 years ago

My favorite Ted Talk! So well spoken and loved the message.
@ZENKI07 3 months ago

My 3 year old son has autism and honestly there really are some times that are hard to deal with, but I just view it as some kind of super powers that he is still struggling to control right now and someday with our guidance he will be able to control it properly, at his age he can already read sentences sometimes even paragraphs and able to quickly memorize lyrics of songs, even different shapes and colors and was already able to count from 1 to 100 at the age of 2 years old. I'm so proud of him and will continue to support him til the end.
@dbplaya_7621 2 years ago

I have high functioning autism. I am very successful because I have won 2nd place in championship wrestling in 8th grade, I have graduated high-school, I have done bodybuilding and hit a pr of 500lb deadlift with no steroids and no adrenaline and it took me 2 years to achieve that goal. I have a special gift of sensing frequencies and seing more of life beyond life and the "normal life".
@GrimFowler 14 days ago

I've always believed exactly this, but I've been having a hard time and this just cheered me up and helped me regain perspective.
@cindypetersen5561 4 months ago

Impressive young man! I genuinely hope he feels the same after 10 years in the workplace & has better fortune than I’ve had as an autistic person trying to sustain employment out in the world.🙏
@an_anishinaabe_son 5 months ago

I delightfully-chuckled when I heard this young man's talk, not only is he correct in-the-main, but his Autistic traits were obvious---and I love that! My Autistic traits I can't see, but I can see Autistic traits in others. It's a very comforting thing for me. ❤ I love his talk too!❤
@jonohoffman5034 7 months ago

This was really cool. I know the spectrum is quite wide and there are plenty of people on it that struggle a great deal, but learning to see the world in they're way more effectively could open a lot of doors for a lot of people. People that might not see the door-knob but can do some awesome stuff if someone helped them figure out how to get out of the room some other way!
@viviancovington7813 4 years ago

Brilliant and very well spoken young man. Keep up the excellent work.
@departarrival5950 3 years ago

Great content and interesting perspective! Thank you for sharing.
@luken4072 2 years ago

Well spoken. I find autism has its benefits despite the struggles it comes with in the social sphere. I’m on the HFA side of the spectrum and even though life has been a wrestle I wouldn’t trade it with anything else.
@tomchang3 3 years ago

This is wow. I need to talk to someone, this is huge.
@LeelosAdventure 21 days ago

this is truly fascinating
@bluebellsca 2 years ago

Zach you inspire all of us!!!
@Aminata579 9 months ago

That was great. Thank you