In a recent video, an autistic girl expressed her thoughts and feelings by typing them and sharing with the online community. In the video, she explained the symptoms of autism and why autistic individuals act the way they do in a simple, heartfelt way even doctors are not capable of. She bared her inner feelings and thoughts just like any other typical teenager. This individual was frustrated at the fact that she could not control her actions. She knew how to type and write, but everyone else assumed she was nothing more than a girl with a mental disorder. The message she wanted to send out is that there is so much more to people with disabilities if people could just take the time to look beyond the disability.

A mental disorder by definition is a psychological disorder of thought or emotion. Yet this definition is so fluid. For example, homosexuality was once classified as a mental disorder. Today, our views on homosexuality have evolved. So, what exactly is being normal? Is it right to judge and classify people according to our categories?

People should not judge people based on their disabilities but rather by who they are. The definition of mental disorders has changed and will continue to change. Therefore, if we could stop to reassess our judgments, the world could be a more understanding place.


Yoonji Bridget Lee
West Ranch High School
9th Grade