Nonverbal Autistic Student Achieves Academic Excellence, Inspires with Graduation Speech
Diagnosed at 15 months old, Elizabeth faced a lifelong struggle with nonverbal communication but triumphed in academics
AKACHI NOEL 
Elizabeth Bonker, a 24-year-old student diagnosed with nonverbal autism since infancy, has defied all odds by emerging as the best-graduating student at Rollins College in the United States, achieving a perfect 4.00 cumulative grade point average. Diagnosed at 15 months old, Elizabeth faced a lifelong struggle with nonverbal communication but triumphed in academics.
Majoring in Social Innovation, Elizabeth, along with four other valedictorians, showcased her ability to communicate by typing. Selected to deliver the graduation speech titled "Communication for All" using a text-to-speech computer program, Elizabeth urged her fellow graduates to embrace positive vocal expression.
In her inspirational address, she acknowledged the irony of a nonspeaking autistic advocating for the use of one's voice. Elizabeth shared personal challenges, recalling a high school incident where she was labeled unfit for the valedictorian role. Despite such setbacks, she celebrated the victory of standing before her peers as a testament to perseverance and determination.
Elizabeth expressed gratitude to the faculty, administrators, staff, and her personal heroes who played crucial roles in unlocking her mind and enabling her education. She credited a critical intervention, learning to type, as the key to breaking free from her silent cage.
Her mother, Virginia Breen, emotionally reflected on their journey, highlighting the impact of Elizabeth's commencement address. Elizabeth's remarkable achievement goes beyond academics; she founded the nonprofit organization Communication 4 ALL, dedicated to ensuring that nonspeaking individuals with autism have access to communication and education.
Elizabeth Bonker's story serves as a beacon of hope, breaking barriers for individuals with nonverbal autism and emphasizing the importance of inclusive education and communication for all.
