My Twin, My Teacher | Nicole Lopez-Alvar | TEDxUMiami

Quick Overview

Nicole Lopez-Alvar shares the profound, positive impact her twin brother, AJ, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), has had on her life, inspiring her to become a journalist and storyteller who amplifies underrepresented voices, contrasting the societal focus on deficits with the unique value and love she experiences with him.

Key Points: Nicole Lopez-Alvar is the food editor for Miami New Times and has a twin brother, AJ, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and falls on the low-functioning side of the spectrum. She recounts an early memory from preschool when a child ran up to her brother and AJ, who dislikes being touched, and she instinctively protected him, realizing her role as his advocate. The speaker shares that AJ's condition, which involves difficulties with speech and sensory input like touch, has uniquely shaped her into a storyteller who actively seeks to amplify underrepresented voices. An anecdote from fifth grade illustrates AJ's difference: the family attended 'The Phantom of the Opera' on Broadway, and the audience and performers were shocked by AJ's loud yell when a chandelier was supposed to fall, an event AJ later revealed was his perfect moment to yell. Lopez-Alvar notes that while society often looks for quick fixes or focuses on what is 'trending' (like restaurants or TikTok), AJ has taught her the value of unconditional love and seeking out voices that deserve a spotlight. She graduated from the University of Miami, as did her parents, and she credits AJ for inspiring her career path and her commitment to advocacy.

Context: The presentation is delivered by Nicole Lopez-Alvar at a TEDxUMiami event themed "IMPACT." She shares a deeply personal story about growing up as the non-autistic twin to AJ, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and exhibits significant challenges, particularly with sensory input like touch. The talk centers on how these early, formative experiences shaped her personal perspective and professional drive as a journalist and storyteller to champion marginalized voices.