NOTE FROM TED: Some viewers may find this talk to be stigmatizing or objectionable. This talk only represents the speaker's personal views and understanding of autism and interpersonal connection which lacks legitimate scientific support. We've flagged this talk because it falls outside the content guidelines TED gives TEDx organizers. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfWhat if autism isn’t a disorder to be fixed, but an expression of profound openness and sensitivity? Dr. Melinda Edwards challenges the common belief that autistic individuals are disconnected, revealing how traits like sensory sensitivity, lack of eye contact, and ‘meltdowns’ often reflect a deep connection rather than detachment. As a mother of an autistic child and a physician providing psychiatric care to underserved patients, Dr. Edwards invites us to see autism in a new light—one that teaches us to let go of psychological defenses and embrace our natural state of openness, authenticity, and interconnection.Melinda Edwards MD is a mother, writer and physician in Charleston, SC, providing psychiatric care for underserved adults. She attended the Medical University of South Carolina and completed her residency in psychiatry at Stanford Medical Center.This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx