Autism is Not a Problem
a poem
Neurodivergence is beautiful.
Autism is not a flaw,
I can love just like you do
I feel just like you do
I cry, I laugh, I smile
I wonder, I learn, I create
I feel burdened with too many ideas
But that doesn’t mean, I can’t function
It means, I see things differently
And the world I live in, is not built for me
But I continue to show up, to be brave
To show the world that I am me,
And that is lovely,
And there is nothing wrong with me,
Because the last thing I need,
Is another jerk telling me I’m stupid
I’m a joke, and I’ll never do things.
You will NEVER understand our pain
You will NEVER understand our way
And that’s okay, but don’t you dare
Don’t you dare take away the dreams
And the hopes, and the aspirations
Of young kids on the spectrum
By telling them they will never do things.
They can do anything.
They can be anything.
They are outstanding.
They are our future.
About the Creator
Slgtlyscatt3red
Slightly scattered. Just a woman with autism and ADHD that loves to write poetry, create art, and sing.
Reader insights
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Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
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Comments (25)
"Well said 👏"
Ah autism.. a word for the sentient and sane in a world filled with an unfeeling and insane majority! Great topic, well written x
This resonates so hard. I kind of think neurodivergence is life's way of creating diversity of thought. And hell the world needs more of that 💜C
Beautiful poetry Anne. My daughter was diagnosed with autism recently which was really beneficial. She now understands herself so much more. She is a fantastic artist, loves nature and adores animals. I'm so proud of her. Congratulations on the Top Story. Thoroughly deserved ❤
There is so much beauty in this. Thank you for sharing from the heart! ❤️
Autism is sewn into the rich tapestry of my life and I would not want to be without it. What makes my life hard is the lack of sensitivity to difference, not the differences themselves. Thank you for sharing.
nice to read Love is like a variety of people. But for me, love does not mean just one person, but many people of many kinds—who sit very close to my heart.
I relate to this deeply No idea what I have, not enough of anything to carry a diagnosis. But enough for everyone around me to ask if I am on the spectrum. You are not a joke. You are not stupid. Just different, as the night sky is different from the glow of the day star. Beautiful, if only people really look
I relate to this deeply. At one point two grad students came to talk to my wife and I about what it's like to parent a child with autism, and what we'd like people to know. We both said the most important thing was not to be limited by what you're told by doctors and teachers. Believe in your child and figure out how to reach that child's full potential. And it's 100% true. He achieved far more than we were told he would. He achieved so much more that his teachers had to redo his IEP multiple times because he completed in 2-4 weeks what they had hoped he would do in a year. However, it's important to remember that it's called a spectrum disorder for a reason. There are high functioning autistics and profoundly disabled autistics. I was at a seminar once presented by a doctor whose child was autistic. He said people with ASD are often presented as having quirks, but magical powers. That it's just a different way of looking at the world. Then he showed a picture of his kid standing in her room, legs coated in feces, walls coated in feces, floor covered in feces. There are kids and adults who have severe digestive and inflammatory issues to go along with their cognitive issues. People who don't speak at all. People who self harm. There are ways to heal those things, or reduce them, and we had to do some of that with our son, but the situation there is clearly a problem, not a blessing.
Sascaraib pilij
Well-wrought! Having this very ongoing discussion with my son, who's diagnosed on the spectrum.
Keep it up
Well deserved top story. We may be different but we are capable
I love this
This message should be heard all around the world. Thank you for speaking up for so many people in the community. You are a voice history will forever remember.
I advise you to come to Islam!! Because everything is created by Allah.
It’s insane how quick some people diminish what they don’t understand. Don’t listen to these ridiculous and insane people, even those with “power”—you guys are so loved. ♥️
Saport back 💝🔙
This gave me chills — in the best way. Your voice is strong, clear, and needed. The line “the world I live in is not built for me, but I continue to show up” hit me right in the heart. That’s bravery, that’s beauty, and that’s exactly why poems like this matter. Thank you for speaking not just for yourself, but for every kid, teen, or adult who's ever been made to feel like they were “too much” or “not enough.” You remind us that being different is not a deficit — it’s a gift. Keep writing, keep dreaming. 💙
This is such a powerful and beautifully written piece! The way you highlight the beauty of neurodivergence and the unique strengths of those on the spectrum is truly inspiring. It’s so important for everyone to recognize that being different doesn’t mean being less capable. The world needs diversity in all its forms, and people on the spectrum are absolutely part of that brilliance. Your words are a reminder that dreams, aspirations, and potential are limitless. Thank you for sharing this heartfelt message!
Beautiful, I have a nephew with Autism, and he is just amazing! Congratulations on your top story!
Beautiful work, Anne Marie. My son is on the spectrum, too! Congratulations on your top story.
Captivating poem and Congratulations for TS
Wow very nice
Wow very nice