People get understandably confused around me because I am not like a normal teenage boy. They do not know how to talk to me. I do not get to talk to many people because I can't type fast. I would like to get faster.
The kids that I went to school with should learn about autism and apraxia just like they learn about science and so many other subjects in school. If they did, kids like me would not be so lonely.
There were many times I wanted to tell kids I went to school with that I understood what they were saying and everything they were doing in class. Only I couldn't tell anyone my thoughts. People assumed I did not have any idea what they were saying. Just some specific kids would talk to me, but most did not. I understand that they did not know much about autism and how you should interact with kids like me, so they are not to be blamed.
When I was in the second, third and fourth grades, my mom went to my school to talk to the kids about autism and answered their questions about me. Then I switched schools and the new school did not let her come talk to the kids. Her talks always helped. Her talks should have been done before the whole school so everyone could understand more about autism.
I would like the world to know that people with autism are always listening. Just because I am not looking at you does not mean I am not paying attention. I really am listening and understanding, too, even if it seems like I am not taking it in.
Don't talk to me like I am a little kid.
Don't talk about me like I am not right in front of you.
And especially don't talk to me with a sing-song voice as if I am in preschool.
Please talk to me like you would talk to any fifteen-year-old boy. Please understand that I am different. But I am more like you than I am different, and I am here with things to say.
Daniel, your writing helps me so very much. I wish my son, Miles, could type. I am sure he would have the same 15-year-old feelings as you. Thank you for helping me and others to understand.
ReplyDeleteHey Daniel, my name’s Marissa. This is so cool! Just wanted to say thanks for sharing. I’m looking forward to reading more of your posts. God bless you!
ReplyDeleteDaniel, I have know your Aunt Amy for many years. I actually remember talking with her about you when you were around 2 years old. My son is 15 as well; a young man, and a bit quirky. Reading your words makes my heart smile! Keep sharing!
ReplyDeleteDaniel,
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me you have found your voice! Don’t be afraid to use it!
Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you Daniel. You are so right. I love what you write! ❤️
ReplyDeleteI am going to read everything you write. I am going to share it with my students and teachers and the special ed admin in TISD. I am going to use your inspiration to move forward in communicating with my students who are dealing with autism. Thank you for being my Teacher, and I look forward to learning more from you!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for publishing this! I can really feel how frustrated you must be- you are such an inspiration to all of us, and I am looking forward to see more of your work. People should really be less ignorant of things like this.
ReplyDeleteDaniel you are inspiring to all of us and you are going to inspire kids who have challenging situations like you.You are going to even guide the future generation through life with your inspiring work.
ReplyDeleteI'm literally speechless right now. You inspire everybody to write as amazing as you do. That made me feel more positive and confident.Thank you!
ReplyDeletei like your poem it is inspiring
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