Hollywood, Harvard, The Telepathy Tapes, Stanford, Bridgeport Film Festival—what do they have in common? They are all looking to 18-year-old, non-speaking autistic teen Wynston Browne, either to mine his miraculous brain or to relish his magnetism on screen.
Since we last reported on this inspiring Westport native a couple years ago, he has won awards and walked red carpets in L.A. and New York for his starring role in “Presumed Incompetent” (a short film produced locally by Triple Threat Academy and directed by another Westport local star, Cynthia Gibb); landed on-screen and story editor roles in the upcoming The Telepathy Tapes documentary (an offshoot of Ky Dickens’ mindblowing podcast on nonspeaking autistics); presented to the Advocates for Education Group at Harvard Law School; was selected for The Stanford Neurodiversity Project’s Research, Education & Advocacy program and NICE research initiative; presented to over 200 medical researchers and clinicians from across the U.S. at the Simon Foundation’s national medical conference; performed in two more short films with Triple Threat Academy; and greeted his “Presumed Incompetent” fans at Bridgeport Festival, some of whom may recall him from an Emmy-winning Channel 12 news story about his miraculous life. Oh, he also learned Spanish, fluently…in three weeks, and he fell in love.
Needless to say, it would be silly to waste any more words introducing a guy who has so much to say himself.
Cynthia Gibb, Leslee Scallon and Wynston Browne at the Dances With Films (DWF) festival in Los Angeles in 2024
A touching moment from the film depicted on the “Presumed Incompetent” poster.
What was it like being on the red carpet at the Chinese Theater in Hollywood for the “Presumed Incompetent” premiere?
It was a red carpet experience beyond imagination. For the premiere, to be a part of such a historic venue only enhanced the important message of our little film. It was everything I imagined a movie festival would be like, with bright lights, lots of cameras, a ton of action, and let’s not forget beautiful people. It was powerful to receive so much attention and love. I felt for the first time what it’s like to belong to something bigger than myself. It is so important to shine a light on my cohort of non-speaking autistics. Besides the thrill of acting for the first time in this film, it was also the first time in my life that I felt truly included every step of the way. No one treated me differently because I am a non-speaking autistic.
Did you catch the acting bug?
Acting is my passion! Acting allows me to fully express myself and show my emotions in an authentic way, which words typing on a screen cannot. Creating this film was magical, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to show the world what true inclusion can look like. This should be the new normal of society.
To go from not being able to communicate at all a few years ago to being interviewed by journalists on the red carpet. It must feel surreal.
That day on the red carpet was a pivotal moment in my life! It forever changed how I think about myself and my autism on so many levels. It’s hard to describe. To be part of this beautiful story about presuming competence for non-speaking autistics and to star in it was something I only dreamed about. For 15 years, people judged my worth and value by my outward appearance and behavior alone. Because I didn’t have functional speech, people assumed I wasn’t smart, had no feelings. That I didn’t want a life filled with family, friends, relationships, interests and love. The film does an excellent job highlighting that the world got it wrong about non-speaking autistics. Spelling allowed my voice to be heard for the first time in my life, and I have a lot to say. We are 30 million strong worldwide and growing. We have value and can make major contributions to the society. I want to live in a world filled with understanding and acceptance, where being kind is important.
What was it like shooting The Telepathy Tapes?
I was honored to be cast in The Telepathy Tapes because I always knew that I had telepathy and now the world will know too, thanks to the podcast and documentary’s creator, Ky Dickens. Ky’s dedication to highlighting our profound savant abilities is a game-changer for the non-speaking autistic community. She spearheaded an entire movement by providing a voice and platform for those of us who have been silenced for most of our lives. During production we travelled to various locations, which was fun and exciting. Since it is a documentary, we were able to relax and just be ourselves while the camera rolled. It was totally an authentic depiction of our lives. Also, it was comforting to meet so many non-speaking autistics just like myself. I felt like everyone there understood my soul in the deepest way possible. We all shared a common bond of brother and sisterhood, which was a spiritual life-changing event for all of us.
Does the podcast and upcoming documentary give you hope that you and other non-speaking autistics are finally being heard?
Yes! Ky believes that together we are unstoppable. That the entire world needs to hear, see and recognize our worth. Now people will finally understand the power of the unspoken word. I believe The Telepathy Tapes season 2 podcast and the documentary will help change the lives of all non-speaking autistics. The podcast blew up last year. People were reaching out to my mother about how in awe they were learning about non-speaking autistics abilities, instead of focusing on our disabilities. People asked if they could meet me. I am always proud to advocate, especially when it comes to getting our voices heard so we all can get the support we need. Unfortunately there are still so many naysayers questioning that we don’t have authorship over our typing. Seeing is believing. When you watch me type, there isn’t any doubt that it’s my own voice and words. So now with telepathy, Ky is deliberately taking a scientific approach. She set up experiments with renowned neuroscientists, with videographers documenting that our telepathic abilities are real. Science has proven that when parts of the neurodiverse brain aren’t functioning properly, other parts can overcompensate and become more developed. We are given an unbelievable gift!
Two years ago, News 12 Connecticut did a feature piece on me, which won the Edward R. Murrow award and Emmy for diversity and inclusion. Mark, the host, asked me what do I want to say to all the people who don’t believe that non-speaking autistics have a voice and are intelligent. I said that I don’t have time for worrying about non-believers when the truth is crystal clear. I choose not to worry about the past and to focus on my future. Non-speaking autistics are destined to accomplish amazing things. Our gifts can quite possibly change the world!
Wynston with his girlfriend Nina; a birthday poem he wrote for her.
What do you most want people to know about you?
I am really just your typical 18-year-old teenage boy who happens to have autism and apraxia. I use a spelling board or QWERTY keyboard with a communication partner to express my thoughts and ideas. My erratic behaviors and repetitive words aren’t communication and, unfortunately, I sometimes don’t have control over my actions due to my apraxia. I am extremely intelligent and plan on going to a prestigious college. I am an advocate for non-speaking autistics and for all people with disabilities, when our basic civil rights are being threatened or denied. I feel it is my responsibility to spread the word that all non-speaking autistics can learn to spell and communicate if given a chance. Parents need to know there is hope for their children to communicate. Out of the 5 million non-speaking autistics in this country alone, there are only approximately 30,000 spellers. That leaves 4,970,000 autistics still silent, waiting to be heard!
Last year, I discovered that I have savant abilities with foreign languages, when I became fluent in Spanish after only three weeks. I see words as pictures dancing in my mind. I enjoy hobbies like playing chess and poker, especially with my brothers. I love playing and watching sports, listening to music and going to the beach. My favorite sports are tennis and basketball. I always felt a deep connection to G-d and my religion. Even when I couldn’t express myself, my belief in Judaism was something I held close. I didn’t need language to feel G-d’s presence. I could simply sense it, a sort of energy, a quiet presence that gave me strength and provided me with comfort when the outside world could not. Lastly, I enjoy spending quality time with my close family, friends and my beautiful girlfriend.
What are some of the frustrations you face that could be alleviated if people learned about you and other non-speakers?
First, I don’t like the word disability because it implies we are broken. I like to focus on the positive. We are “neurodiverse,” with strengths and weaknesses just like everyone. If people can suspend their primitive reactions to uncomfortable sounds or behaviors, presume that some human bodies are not behaving as their owners intend, and, most critically, presume competence in everyone, we could all stay open to explore the riches that are inside everyone. Lead with openness and kindness. Do not judge us by what you outwardly see; rather judge us by the content of our hearts, which is revealed through patient inquiry and presumption of competence. My cohort and I want nothing more than to be fully participating, not just included but participating in your social and professional world.
Secondly, I am a competent and smart 18-year-old boy whose only accurate and reliable form of communication is by typing on a laminate or QWERTY keyboard, with a fully trained communication partner called a CRP. The CRP (Communication and Regulation Partner) coaches my motor skills, helps me to stay calm and slow down. They know how to regulate my body. The CRP must also know how to execute a method of inquiry and how to probe open-ended dialogue. This is not a simple typing program. I know that I make it look easy, but it takes hours of working together as a team to become fluent. A good analogy is like a couple ballroom dancing.
Nina and Wynston like to goof around and be social, just like any teens.
Tell us about your girlfriend.
I feel so grateful for Nina. It was another dream that came true for me: to experience true love. We have been together two years. The story goes that Nina, who lives in Fairfield, saw the article written about me in this magazine and told her mother that she must meet me. Our mothers agreed that it would be great for us to become friends. What they didn’t realize was that when Nina and I saw each other for the first time, it truly was love at first sight! I felt such a connection that I never felt before. We don’t need words to communicate. We are telepathic with each other. I never thought that I would ever have a girlfriend, let alone go to my prom. With Nina as my date, I felt like the luckiest person there. She looked so beautiful! We had a wonderful time, enjoying the music, dancing and holding hands. Since we are both non-speaking autistics, together we were able to show everyone that despite our outward behaviors, we are just your typical teenagers who love each other and want to have a good time.
NOTE FROM WYNSTON TO HIS
“PRESUMED INCOMPETENT”
FILM FAMILY IN 2023
Thank you for recognizing that I am a person, with thoughts and feelings like every teenager. You all truly embraced the definition of equity and inclusion. It was the first time in my life I felt such love and acceptance.
Thank you, Triple Threat Academy, for telling my story in such a creative way.
Thank you, Jill Mann, for writing such a beautiful story with a realistic lens. Hopefully those who watch the film will walk away with a better understanding of spellers.
Thank you, Cynthia Gibb, for recognizing I can do anything and giving me a safe place to try something new. I’m hooked on acting and hopefully will be cast in your next film. [Wynston has since been cast in two more Triple Threat films!]
Thank you to my movie family for highlighting what my actual parents and siblings experience every day.
Thank you, Elisa and Mindy, for showing the importance of a fluent CRP—you are the key that unlocks my ability to be heard.
Thank you, Mom and Dad. I hope I made you proud! You are my heroes!
Watch for The Telepathy Tapes documentary, to be released soon. Follow @wynstonbrowne on Instagram.