Your paragraph …”the movies and blog function well as a wake up call to others to say that there are worlds of people out there that do not receive the respect they deserve as human beings – simply because of a breakdown of communication…” rings true, especially for those special people who are autistic and display lesser verbal communication abilities. What people today put emphasis is on VERBAL communication abilities, and relegate other communication skills as lesser abilities, and in some cases such as the use of sign language as a form of lesser or lower ability or skill or even belonging to only people with disabilities or deformities. However, for example, when you watch say Elton John playing the piano, you will want to observe the manner of play and especially the finger play on the piano keys. The mind of the audience is keyed in on the spectacular finger movements, while enjoying the fine music. No one downplays the use of the fingers or hands while intense communication is offered throughthe fingers, the same elements involved in sign language.

There is a need for the public to understand the plight of the autistic that communication does not lies totally in verbal skills, but that special people may communicate with the help of other skills such as sign language, body language and even behavioral patterns, with some displaying spectacular compensatory skills in mathematics, arts and memory skills such as the autistic savants.

Thanks for posting a thought provoking article.