#nd coded

I’m a person with autism and the lights hurt my eyes You’re a person and you laugh at me I’m a person with autism and I learn that my pain doesn’t matter I’m autistic and I learn that you’re ignorant about sensory processing differences

I’m a person with autism and I show you something I’m passionate about You’re a person and you say I’m acting childish I’m a person with autism and I learn that I shouldn’t get so excited about the things that I like I’m autistic and learn that special interests are a joyful experience that allow me to connect better with others.

I’m a person with autism and I flap my hands You’re a person and you tell me I look like an idiot I’m a person with autism and I learn I learn to keep my hands still I’m autistic and I learn it’s okay to move my body

I’m a person with autism and sometimes I talk too much You’re a person and tell me I’m annoying I’m a person with autism and I learn not to talk at all I’m autistic and learn that there are people out there who would love to hear me talk

I’m a person with autism and I have trouble making friends You’re a person and you tell me I’m not good enough I’m a person and I learn that it’s better not to have friends I’m autistic and learn that there are people out there who will love me just the way I am

I’m a person with autism and I have trouble following instructions You’re a person and you get mad at me for not listening I’m a person with autism and I learn that it’s useless to try new things I’m autistic and I learn that I am fully capable of understanding when you take the time to explain something in a different way

I'm a person with autism and trying to meet someone’s eyes is like repelling magnets You’re a person and you tell me that I’m rude when I look away I’m a person and I learn to push through the discomfort I’m autistic and learn that I’m not the only one who hurts this way

I’m a person with autism and I have trouble starting tasks You’re a person and you tell me I’m not trying hard enough I’m a person with autism and I learn that I’m lazy I’m autistic and I learn that it’s called “executive dysfunction”

I’m a person with autism and I call out bullying You’re a person and you tell me it’s not that serious I’m a person with autism and I learn that I’m too sensitive I’m autistic and I learn that it is called “having a strong sense of justice.”

I’m a person with autism and I have words to explain myself now You’re a person and you don’t like that I’m a person with autism and I learn that you’ll never listen I’m autistic and I have to carry on anyway

Why?

To guide the autistic people you leave behind

Now my body can’t seem to rest I’m a wound up toy held in place Eyes wandering, this time searching for an escape There is still wonder here, but it’s marred by fear I’m aware of every word Every mistake Every missed moment to connect My smile stretches wider and wider as I talk Agreeable things, polite things A laugh here or there A concept A person in theory A dear in headlights The friendliest baby you’ve ever seen Just another face with wandering eyes and a wondering soul