Two fascinating stories about a 13 year old with severe autism who has learned to communicate with the world by typing. Most would write off Carly Fleischman and those like her as “moderately to severely cognitively impaired”, but it turns out on the inside she is like any other young girl, with interests in music, games, boys, and fitting in with her peers. One of the stories is accompanied by some of her communications, which range from interesting to inspiring:

WHAT IS ONE OF THE HARDEST THINGS YOU’VE EVER HAD TO DO?

I think I would have to say controlling my behaviors It might not seem like I am at times but I try very hard to act appropriately It is so tough to do and people think it is easy because they don’t know what is going on in my body They only know how easy it is for them Even doctors have told me that I am being silly but they don’t get it If I could stop it I would But it is not like turning a switch off it does not work that way I know what is right and wrong but its like I have a fight with my brain over it

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU TELL READERS ABOUT YOU?

I recently learned that dreams can come true and that if a child like me or their parents dream is for them to communicate one day That anything is possible if you believe

What’s happened to her isn’t just a dream, it’s a miracle. With any luck we can use the information she gives us to help others with her debilitating problem.

Looks like her story will be on ABC’s news program tonight at 6:30.