A year ago, “06880” introduced Wynston Browne to Westport.
He was a non-speaking autistic 15-year-old. But in the previous month — using a spelling board — he’d made stunning advances.
Suddenly, his parents Lynda and David realized, he was not only not intellectually disabled — he is very intelligent.
Very, very intelligent.
Wynston and Elisa Feinman, with his spelling board last year.
That was just the start. A year later — now using a QWERTY keyboard — Wynston continues to amaze. His goal is to become a neuroscientist.
Wynston’s story is remarkable. But don’t take my word for it.
See for yourself.
Today’s “06880” podcast is just 13 minutes — the shortest I’ve ever done.
Yet it may well be the most powerful, important and inspiring of all 62.
Wynston, his mother Lynda Kommel-Browne and trained communication partner Elisa Feinman joined me last week at the Westport Library.
I visited him at home a few days earlier. We chatted for nearly an hour.
Because of his motor control issues, typing is not easy. But every word was his. Watching them emerge on screen was profoundly moving.
The podcast shows him typing answers to the first couple of questions. Verso Studios producer David Bibbey edited the rest, for ease of viewing.
I hope you’ll take 13 minutes to watch the video below.
You won’t hear Wynston’s voice.
But you will never forget his words.
