Man with Severe Autism Was Told He Would Never Understand Language. Now, He’s a Published Author and College Grad

Woody Brown, a 28-year-old man from Monrovia, California, recently achieved a remarkable milestone by publishing his debut novel, “Upward Bound.” This accomplishment is particularly significant considering that Brown has severe autism and was once believed by medical professionals to possess little understanding of language. His story not only highlights his journey but also serves to challenge perceptions about communication and intelligence among individuals with disabilities.

Brown’s journey began when he was diagnosed with autism in early childhood. At the time, his family received discouraging advice from healthcare professionals, who suggested that speaking to him would be pointless, as he was unlikely to ever comprehend language. However, Brown’s mother, Mary, began to suspect that her son was capable of more than what had been suggested to them. This revelation occurred when Woody was about five years old. Mary noticed that whenever Woody would become upset due to a disruption in his routine, explaining the situation to him often helped calm him down.

At the age of five, Woody began communicating through a spelling board, an innovative tool that allows him to express thoughts and ideas using letters. His proficiency with this method grew, and by age eight, he was not only spelling out simple words but also weaving narratives featuring an alter ego he created called “Cop Woody.” These stories, as noted by Mary, often mirrored real-life news events, demonstrating that Woody was aware of the world around him in ways that many had overlooked.

Woody described the ability to spell as a “miraculous discovery,” expressing that it opened doors to communication he once thought would remain closed forever. “I thought I would be caged my whole life,” he stated, “and then the door was open—left ajar, not flung wide, because the majority of people still doubted me.” His triumph over these challenges eventually led him to academic success, culminating in his graduation from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), followed by a master’s degree in creative writing from Columbia University.

“Upward Bound” tells the story of various individuals with disabilities residing in an adult day care centre in Southern California. The narrative also encompasses the lives of the neurotypical staff who provide care for them. Brown’s intent with this novel was to reach readers who may not fully understand the experiences of those with disabilities. He remarked, “I wanted to reach neurotypical readers, the well-intentioned people who don’t realise that we are the same inside.”

Throughout the writing process, Woody was compelled to reflect on the “what-ifs” of his own life. He pondered scenarios such as what would have happened had he not been exposed to effective methods of communication like his letter board, or if he had ended up in an adult day care setting upon transitioning out of school. His reflections communicate a vital message regarding the importance of support and accessible communication for individuals with autism and other disabilities.

Brown articulated his motivations further in a conversation tied to the release of his novel, emphasising the deep-seated challenges that often accompany being underestimated due to one’s disability. He aimed to evoke empathy and understanding in readers, saying, “I wanted to show readers what it’s like to be constantly underestimated and misunderstood, what it feels like to not be seen because of disability and how it feels when people refuse to look at us.”

“Upward Bound” is now available for purchase at various retailers, providing readers with a unique and insightful perspective on the lives of individuals with disabilities and their experiences within societal frameworks. Woody Brown hopes that through his writing, he can illuminate the realities faced by many, fostering a greater understanding and acceptance of diverse lived experiences. His remarkable journey continues to inspire, serving as a testament to the power of communication and advocacy.