Alliterated Autism Awareness Poem by Rachel Mary Jane Arnold

Asperger’s aspects appear invisible to unaffected individuals
So it can take some time to disclose the diagnosis
Once it is received, the result is often relief
It defines our difficulties, differences and deficits.

However, describing us as ‘hard work’, ‘demanding’ or ‘disadvantaged’
can and does give us great discomfort, grief and distress
We are troubled by imperfections from a triad of impairments
in our interaction, interpretation and intellectual abilities.

These cause us frustrating failures to form firm friendships
and to take our time to successfully learn in life
School students and staff see us as stupid and stubborn
Our friends forsake us, thinking we are freakish.

Our peers perceive us as feather-brained fools
We are very vulnerable to teasing and bad treatment
Such behaviour is unbearable and unbeneficial
Memories of such moments madly mess with our minds.

Others form opposing opinions and outlooks on our future
Regularly reflect upon our painful past experiences
Frequently focus on our faults and our deficits
And teachers often accuse of trying to cause trouble.

All these agitating attitudes we regularly receive
just render us distant, disturbed and disadvantaged
They are terrible to take in and too much to tolerate
We point out how they belittle us but people hardly listen.

There are various voices speaking from the spectrum
Our unknown aspects are uncovering at last
Soon you’ll see the tales we tell on the life we truly lead
portray a poignant picture and one of a jumbled jigsaw.

Asperger’s Syndrome awareness at a low level
can cause constant concern, conflicts and confusion
Parents and professionals ponder over problems
always after advice and an accurate answer.

Professionals look for possibilities to improve our life’s impact
as finding the cause and a cure for our condition is futile
There are bridges to be built and barriers to be broken
What a wondrous and wobbly world it is we live in!
Help us how to lead a better, happier and more balanced life
Disrespect and negative attitudes just destroy our longing to live.