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VIDEO: Apple celebrates Autism Acceptance Month

Posted at 8:05 AM, Apr 04, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-04 08:32:20-04

On Saturday, Apple released a pair of videos that feature an autistic teen who is using technology to make his voice heard.

The videos were posted to promote Autism Acceptance Month. 

Apple's video caption reads: "Autism Acceptance Month is dedicated to the stories of people like Dillan. His words remind us how important it is to ensure everyone with a voice can be heard." 

Dillan is autistic and also unable to verbally communicate.  He uses the iPad and specialized apps to share his thoughts and connect with others around him.

"So many people can’t understand that I have a mind, all they see is a person who is not in control," said Dillan through an app on his iPad in a video released on Apple's official YouTube page. "But now you can hear me, the iPad helps me to see not only my words but to hold onto my thoughts."

One of the videos sharing Dillan's journey already has more than 3 million views. 

Dillan, his mother, and his therapist explain in the short documentaries how technology has made a positive difference in his life.

"Hearing Dillan’s voice is incredible, it’s been life changing, he’s insightful and he’s smart and creative. Everyone has to have a voice and he wants everyone to have one," said Dillan's mother, Tami Barmache, in the video. 

Autism Acceptance Month is meant to celebrate and promote the respectful treatment of autistic people. 

For more resources and information about Austim Acceptance Month, go here.