Stereotypes about autism were successfully shattered by a child from Australia who has been diagnosed on the spectrum through his delightful speech . Specifically, the remarks of 12-year-old Leo had nothing to envy from those of a stand-up comedian, with the result that the video from his speech went viral internationally, gathering millions of views on social media.
It should be noted that Leo was diagnosed with autism and ADHD in kindergarten, when his teachers observed the related signs in his behavior. “When he went to elementary school, we realized the need for early intervention that would help him with learning,” says his mother, Lara Bird. However, a video of another autistic child was enough to inspire Leo.
“That child described his journey and I thought, he sounds like Leo,” says his mother. “I showed him the video and he immediately identified with the child, realizing that he was like him. This started a conversation between us about autism, which made me realize that he was ready to understand more about his neurodiversity.”
“I’m just built differently”
12-year-old Leo began breaking down one stereotype after another as he grew up. For example, he loved acting and managed to make friends who agreed that “it’s not bad to be different” as he says today. “I have autism and ADHD and, no, I’m not broken. I’m just built differently: like a collectible Lego set,” he states in his speech, while at the same time appearing to have come to terms with the stereotypes where he recognizes himself, even beginning to joke about them – closing his viral speech he characteristically mentioned: “excuse me now, I’m going to watch a video about elevators on YouTube.”
His viral speech, beyond the response it had from the audience, managed to make both Leo and his mother happy as well as many parents of other autistic children who watched it. “It’s amazing, I showed it to my daughter too, who is very similar to him,” comments one parent.
Watch the video of his speech
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