Benjamin Alexander (writer)

Benjamin Alexander
Born New Orleans, Louisiana
Language English
Nationality American
Citizenship United States
Education Bachelor's Degree in English
Alma mater Tulane University
Notable works My Adventure in Life
Notable awards First Place, Young Authors Contest

Benjamin Alexander is the first student with nonverbal autism to attend Tulane University in New Orleans. He is majoring in English and is also a published writer. Alexander is a user of facilitated communication.[1] He opposes the view of autism as a gift, and wants to be normal, claiming “I have been at war with God over my autism.” He has expressed the desire to orally communicate, function with no academic aid, and be able to take care of himself.[2] He once wrote an essay for new wave, Tulane's newspaper, where he discussed his experience communicating with Steve Gleason, a former football player who suffers from ALS and also communicates by computer.[3]

Alexander started typing at eight years old. He also claimed that he taught himself how to read. His 2004 essay My Adventure in Life won a first place award in the Young Authors Contest sponsored by the Louisiana Reading Association. Additionally, his poem Autism Sucks Part II appeared in the anthology A Celebration of Poets: Heartland Grades. He once celebrated a Bar Mitzvah, where he gave a controversial speech about how he cannot change his Autism.[4][5] He also suffers from epileptic seizures. Ben uses predictive word processing software that allows him to choose from a list of words after typing a few letters. Essays are described as his favorite form of writing.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 Irvine, Martha. "Q&A: A look at nonverbal autism, facilitated communication". Miami Herald. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  2. Irvine, Martha. "Benjamin Alexander: Silenced by autism, a young man finds his voice". CBS News. Associated Press. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  3. Alexander, Benjamin. "An augmentative conversation between student and Steve Gleason". new wave. Tulane University. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  4. Alexander, Benjamin (9 January 2015). "Autism: The gift with no return". NolaVie - Life and Culture in New Orleans. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  5. Solis, Sheree (29 April 2016). "Coldplay Has A Fan With Autism, Footage Had Everyone In Tears - Health Aim". Health Aim. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
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