An Outline of Language in Summary and Analysis

Like many autistics, Donna developed her own language which consisted of symbols and gestures. This way of "speaking" was her only means of communicating, of saying what she thought. The ordering of objects and symbols brought more comprehension to Donna. By blinking incessantly, she could become more detached from a situation and head-banging was a way of providing order and calming down manic behavior.

Donna provides a few hints on how people can understand and get along with autistic people. A few examples include talking to the autistic person indirectly, speaking to the child through visual symbols, and, allowing the person privacy and space.