They’ve already seen pain
Despite their young age
They know the words that hurt
They’ve been called names
Young Autistics, seeking acceptance
There are some even younger
Not yet harmed by dismissive words
They don’t know how hurtful it can be
To live in a world that refuses to acknowledge diversity
Young Autistics, flapping their happiness day to day
And from the happy flappiness we get our cue
The world does not change
If we don’t take control of the conversation
The little ones lead the way
Experiencing their unique view of the world
They talk, gesture, point, smile
Communication does not have to be uniform
It is up to us to embrace who they really are
The Autistics who are just a little older
Look at their elders for guidance and support
We let them know they do have value
They are learning about their rights
Facing stigma with courage and resolve
Young Autistics making me happy
Being who they are, showing the world
That they define what is normal
How they learn
What they like
Being their own amazing Autistic selves
Young Autistics make me happy
When they fight to prove their worth
Even though they already are worthy
Just for being part of the humankind
They learn how to communicate
In a way neurotypicals can understand
They show us the brilliant minds
Shield by bigotry, assumptions and lack of imagination
Young Autistics as mentors for change
From the very young
To the ones in their early teens
Young Autistics make me happy
And their families make me smile too
Positive approaches honoring Autistics
Positive self-image, fostering acceptance
Positive attitude, self-advocacy
Positive views for a successful future
PosAutivity
Young Autistics making me happy
When they show Autistic pride
Shrugging away old assumptions
Showing the reality of Autistic lives
PosAutivity
No more self-loathing
No more silencing
Ready for the fight
Taking back their rights
Being Autistic happy
Living Autistic lives
Positive views, positive future
Positive
Autistic
PosAutive
Copyright 2014 by Amy Sequenzia
Nice poem, Amy!
Great poem Amy! :)
Thank you for sharing , Amy you make me happy ! Thank you for your strength , compassion , honesty , humor , beautiful smile :)
Oh, Amy, yes, yes, yes, a thousand times yes. And always, the two words that will never be near enough … THANK YOU.
I love it Amy! My 7 year old flappy happy young autistic beauty will too!
Beautiful! Love it!
The Sensory Spectrum is hosting a special blog hop of posts from bloggers in June and we’d love to have you participate! Just imagine a list of bloggers sharing their stories about what it’s like to have sensory kiddos! Read more here: http://www.thesensoryspectrum.com/sensory-bloggers-blog-hop-information/
Joining in on this blog hop will undoubtedly get your blog more exposure as people will hop from one blog to the next to read the stories. I will also be tweeting everyone’s stories during the month and highlighting some on my Facebook page.
I hope you’ll join us!
Jennifer @ The Sensory Spectrum
(and you can find me @ The Jenny Evolution, too!)