'Backwords Dude' uses reverse speech to encourage forward thinking

'Backwords Dude' uses reverse speech to encourage forward thinking

John Austin developed the incredible ability to talk backwards at a very early age. Now, he uses the skill to raise awareness about autism.

backwords dude
Facebook/Backwords Dude

As a young boy, John Austin entertained himself by playing records backwards to hear what the songs would sound like. It all started when he accidentally laid one of his records on backwards.

Once he discovered that some songs sounded good played backwards, he began teaching himself how to sing backwards. Soon, he was comfortably talking and singing in reverse. 

John knew that he was different from the children around him, but it wasn't until he was well into his 40s that he was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. John believes that is why he is able to bend language and speech in this delightful way. 

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Calling himself "Backwords Dude", John now uses his skill to draw attention to the conditions on the autism spectrum.

John believes that people who are on the spectrum should "celebrate their uniquely gifted minds".

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