Extraordinary Perspectives

Growing up with two autistic brothers, writer Faith Jegede shares her the lessons she has learned from her brothers in her autism awareness speech.

Growing up with two autistic brothers left her with a life that was anything but normal, but Jegede does not regret it for a single moment. Normality overlooks extraordinary characteristics in people -- individuality, communication, love -- and despite the desire to blend in, people are sacrificing their own greatness and identity.

Although her brothers are speechless, she describes them, affectionately, as possessing a "pure and innocent nature," how they see the world without prejudice and how they have never lied. They find pleasure in the smallest things in life, something that people tend to take for granted these days.

"The pursuit of normality," she says, "is the ultimate sacrifice of potential." Everything about individuals -- how they act, speak, smile, love -- makes them extraordinary, autistic or not.