My brother is autistic | Royan Lee | TEDxKitchenerED

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Published 2016-06-16

Royan shares his story of growing up with a brother that's autistic and the associated trials and tribulations of not knowing how to best work with him. Through his own personal discovery, he finds his passion as an educator and makes an impassioned call for reform to the special education system. Royan challenges us all to realize that those with special needs need more understanding from others, that they have much more to offer than we are aware of, and that we need to all understand that weird is greater than normal.

Royan is a teacher, parent, consultant, speaker, blogger, and professional learning facilitator. He is a family man and, in the words of his own children, “very…weird”.

When he isn’t blogging, reading his RSS feeds, or tweeting about education and parenting, you can find Royan doing wonderfully mundane things with his three children and beloved wife Janet.

He is obsessed with learning relationships and experiences that cause growth and shifts in thinking. He is also easily swayed by delicious, unpretentious foods, and perfectly pulled shots of espresso.

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

All Comments (21)

@noahlundberg3288 4 years ago

I'm autistic myself and really liked your talk. Also saved by my dog on a daily basis.
@MilanMulji 7 years ago

" communication only exist when the information is received and processed " what a great teach!!!
@christopherhennelly7486 4 years ago

Thank you for doing the talk. I understand so much of what you have shared. I'm 57 years old, my brother is 58. We are the younger of six kids. I have struggled with understanding the things you spoke of. I cried when you started to choke up. Peace. Keep doing public speaking you are gifted.
@amybe3 5 years ago

Thank you for sharing this, it may me cry. I love someone with autism and that person that most people love the most, is my son.
@raynalreyes5769 5 years ago

I never comment on videos but I'm going to start to hope I can release some of my thoughts, and hopefully relate to some people. This was very touching and I really enjoyed the mix of comedy + reality...this man is inspiring.
@ragdollpetgrooming2565 1 year ago

By far the best explanation by family member I’ve ever seen
@CalmintheChaosHomeschool 2 years ago

I love your humor. Thank you for helping us look at the challenges we face as parents of children on the spectrum in a more light hearted way.
@saraelizabethdiamond1951 5 years ago

Beautiful story and lesson. Thank you so much for giving us your perspective!
@mariajattan5093 5 years ago

How beautiful speech!!! I got emotional when you did. Best wishes xx
@SincerelyReal 6 years ago

Thank you for sharing, your story is very touching.
@patricia_anotherway 1 year ago

Thank you for sharing your story with us and giving us language to understand the journey of our son. For sure this will change our lives and his. Sending gratitude, abundance, and love to your heart. Thank you! 💛🌸
@shahidahmed5779 2 years ago

One of the best TEDX talks I've heard
@DillyDallyDiane-t8s 5 years ago

I love the different perspective !! This brought tears to my eyes!
@evelynspaghetti4978 3 months ago

I know this is 7 years old..but so much gratitude to the the speaker, Royan, for sharing his story. That was incredibley moving and informative. Thankyou so, so much ❤
@theresamuschkat191 8 years ago

Thank you for sharing your story Royan!
@user-cp1ms6bp8u 4 months ago

You are a good man my son has autism and he is lucky enough to have an older brother like you thank you for doing this and letting people know and understand ❤
@meredithslack850 4 years ago

So good. Thank you.
@Ms-yv5li 4 years ago

Thank You Sincerely
@jackiemitchell8869 2 years ago

I love your comments near the end about autism and ADHD being cognitive variations and not deficits and dysfunctions.
@chloesance699 7 years ago

Such wonderful articulation and heart. I appreciate and value this talk.