An autistic teenager emerges as spokesman

Ido Kedar, left, works in a computer lab with behavior intervention implementer Michael Lowenstein. His “Ido in Autismland” is changing educators’ view of the condition.   (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Ido Kedar, second from left, answers a question with the use of a letter board held by aide Anna Page. He prefers the letter board, inscribed with the alphabet, over an iPad.   (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Ido Kedar takes a breather while working out at a local high school. Kedar doesn’t play sports but his parents try to keep him in shape by having him work out with a special fitness instructor.   (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Ido Kedar, with his mother Tracy, writes on his iPad. “I felt kind of terrified when I was a kid that my life would be this way forever,” he once wrote.   (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Ido Kedar before giving a recorded commencement speech to graduates of the School of Special Education at Cal State Northridge. “It is hard to be a teacher of kids who don’t communicate. The kids don’t have writing, or gestures, or speech, or facial expressions, but that doesn’t mean they can’t think,” he said.

Ido Kedar gives a recorded commencement speech to graduates of the School of Special Education at Cal State Northridge. Ivor Weiner, left, Tracy Kedar and Adrienne Johnston, right, stand next to him. “Ido’s words stopped me in my tracks, “ Weiner says.

Ido Kedar sits with former teacher and friend Adrienne Johnston, right, along with his family after speaking at Cal State Northridge.   (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Ido Kedar spends a quiet moment to himself in the schoolyard during lunchtime at Canoga Park High School. “I’m a strange mixture. I am smart as a mind and dumb as a body. I can think of insights and my body ignores them,” he says.   (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)