We all know someone who is on the spectrum. I know adults who were never diagnosed as such because it hadn’t been well studied back then. Even dyslexia wasn’t yet realized as a disability. And “the spectrum” has shown how much we just didn’t realize. Netflix has a wonderful documentary called “Love on the Spectrum.” How to manage and deal with it and opening eyes into understanding the scope of what it may or may not be is inspirational. Resources are available and with understanding we all benefit.
Below is a beautiful poem about autism by a brilliant 12 year old girl; Take a seat and sit with her.
A powerful Description of being autistic by This beautiful little Girl
Congratulations to 12-year-old secondary school student Ava who has won a national poetry competition with her entry about living with autism
You can read her winning ‘Power of Poetry’ entry below:
- “Take a seat and sit with me
- I want to talk about ASD
- If you don’t mind I’d like to explain
- A little thing called autism and how it affects my brain
- It can make me anxious, angry and afraid
- But this stays in my head, on my face it’s not displayed
- I may seem heartless and question your meanings
- But it takes me a little longer to process the feelings
- Take a seat and sit with me I want to show you ASD
- A girl sitting quietly is all you see
- But inside my mind I am far from free
- My thoughts collide, my senses take over
- I become overwhelmed by the smallest sound
- Clicking pens, ticking clocks
- That boy’s chair and the way it rocks
- All different smells attacking me
- The perfumes, the coffee, the teacher’s tea
- Take a seat and sit with me
- But not too close, I have ASD
- I try to be social, I try to fit in
- I come across rude, I can never win
- I am very literal and straight to the point
- If you want the truth I won’t disappoint
- When my brain is overloaded I sometimes lash out
- My control fades, I scream and shout
- I get confused and it all spills out
- Intense emotions all trapped inside
- Finally have nowhere to hide
- Take a seat and sit with me I want to tell you about ASD
- Please understand I am not to blame I’ve just got an atypical brain
- But it’s not all doom and gloom
- I’m often the sportiest girl in the room
- I’m quirky, unique, kind and caring
- I’m loyal, protective and always sharing
- I’m obsessed with frogs and all things green
- I’m the youngest trendsetter you’ve ever seen
- Take a seat and sit with me
- I am Ava, I am me
- I’m not just my label of ASD.”
“Love on the Spectrum” is worth watching, very loving and inspirational. A feel good moment. Hope you take a peek. You’ll be glad you did. It’s on Netflix and has an Australian season as well. Love is what they seek.
- If you know of someone needing support, the link below has wonderful resources listed to get them started. Most importantly, it’s to let them know they are not alone.
- We have a very visible presence in our area who uses his celebrity to bring attention to this cause. It’s personal.
- Ben’s Fund | Families For Effective Autism Treatment (bensfund.org)
- Ben’s Fund provides funds to families in need to help cover costs associated with medical bills, therapies and numerous other aspects of supporting a child or young adult on the autism spectrum. Applicants request a yearly grant to help cover the costs to get the care, support and items they need to become all they can be. We are so thrilled to share that we have given away over 2,928 grants since 2012!
- Along with financial support, we have created a community of encouragement, hope, awareness and understanding. Having autism in your family can be very lonely and isolating. We want parents to know that they are not alone! Sharing our story can help others and that is what Ben’s Fund is about. Supporting each other.
- Young adult on the autism spectrum. Applicants request a yearly grant to help cover the costs to get the care, support and items they need to become all they can be. We are so thrilled to share that we have given away over 2,928 grants since 2012!
- Along with financial support, we have created a community of encouragement, hope, awareness and understanding. Having autism in your family can be very lonely and isolating. We want parents to know that they are not alone! Sharing our story can help others and that is what Ben’s Fund is about. Supporting each other.
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