There is power in words and describing autism is no exception. We even learned a new language while caring for our son. Perhaps it required translation in the beginning; however after 25 years, we are seasoned veterans. What I have also learned is that words heal and there is power in hope.
A young man with high functioning autism wrote to me this week. His name is Scott Lentine. Scott is an advocate and a writer. He also does volunteer work and one of his causes is to “try to persuade lawmakers to pass key disability resources legislation to improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities”. He has my vote.
Scott also asked if I might share his poems/songs and “show to people you know on the autism spectrum and to musicians you know who support autism causes.” I second that motion too.
When I read his words for the first time, tears streamed down my cheeks, as I recognized a familiar plight. The following two poems are portraits from the heart. They reveal an honest vision, a message that rings with powerful clarity.
The Ode to the Autistic Man
Try to understand the challenges that I face
I would like to be accepted as a human in all places
Where I will end up in life I don’t know
But I hope to be successful wherever I go
I would like to expand my social skills in life
Making new friends would be very nice
Stand proud for the autistic man
For he will find a new fan
I hope to overcome the odds I face today
Increased acceptance will lead me to a brighter day
By the age of 20, I will have made tremendous strides
I know in the future, life will continue to be an interesting ride
I have made new friends by the year
I will be given tremendous respect by my family and peers
I hope to get noted for bringing the issue of autism to the common man
So that autistic people can be accepted in this great land
Stand proud for the autistic man
For he will find a new fan
I hope to overcome the odds I face today
Increased acceptance will lead me to a brighter day
Just a Normal Day
Never knowing what to say
Never knowing what to do
Always looking for clues
Just a normal day
Feeling unsure
Totally perplexed with everyday life
Always on edge never certain
I wish I could lift this curtain
Needing to constantly satisfy my need for information
Always online searching for new revelations
Going from site to site
Obtaining new insights every night
Trying to connect with people my age
Attempting to reveal my unique vision
But ending up alone and unengaged
Feeling like my needs a total revision
Just a normal day
My answer to Scott Lentine is to keep spreading the word, stand up and be counted for, and let his normal day be an ode for the future of autism.
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