Autism Is Not a Disease

When I was two years old, I was diagnosed with Autism. After my diagnosis, my mom quit her job at Pitney Bowes to arrange my ABA (applied behaviour analysis) sessions at home. During my childhood, livng with Autism was both meaningful and frustrating. I would have constant metldowns in which I would engage in self-destructive behaviours like head banging. I also had awesome talents and character traits like extraversion, memory and most importantly, I appreciated and valued life!

Earlier in elementary school, I had teachers that weren't tolerating or accepting of my condition, but that didn't determine the other components of my life that were purposeful and positive. I had friends who were caring, my family was always supportive, I had hobbies, I participated in great programs and I had delicious food on the table. My friends would never forget to leave a birthday party invitation on my desk, because they knew that inclusion was a significant part of life, despite how young they were.

Although living with Autism got harder when I struggled with mental health issues, I was still capable of living to the best of my abilities. I pursued more hobbies like drawing and reading, I participated in more recreational programs, I was able to get together with friends without having my caregiver or parents present all the time, I did better academically and I became more sophisticated. When I started to experience episodes of depression and severe anxiety, I lost interest in many of the hobbies that I had before entering Grade 11. College life was better for me. I was away from the kids that ostracized and harrassed me, I didn't have to be told what to do as much anymore, I was able to learn without being criticized and I felt more free!

Living with Autism as a young adult is very positive, but also extremely stressful. I live independently, my parents still support me whenever I need it, I have a huge social circle, I choose my recreational pursuits, I dress how I want, I educate others about what it's like living with Autism, I connect with others who live with Autism and other mental health disorders, I work, I study and I look after my health. The downsides are, I've encountered rude people who would make insulting comments, I would experience disturbing flashbacks from my childhood, I would get very emotional and I've dealt with ableism. Nevertheless, I know that living meaningfully is not all rainbows and sunshine, whether I have Autism or not.

During quarantine, I decided to write a poem about what it's like living with Autism, because I know how important it is that people understand. People are becoming more understanding about Autism now, thanks to all the awareness that's been spreading. However, there are some people that need to better understand Autism, so the world can become better. Hopefully, reading my poem called "Autism is not a Disease" can help others better grasp both the struggles and positives of living with Autism.

Autism is not a disease that,

Needs to be cured within

Three days’ time.

Autism is like being

A part of a cultural group with,

Values, morals, and beliefs.

We are novel humans that,

Have heaps to provide to this

Chaotic world we currently live in.

Autism is not a disease that,

Requires us to be medicated,

Isolated, sedated, or repaired.

Autism is a gift that,

You were given at birth

And cherish forever and ever.

Thanks so much for reading! I would appreciate your support by sharing this poem with your friends, colleagues, families, sending me a tip, and connecting with me on Instagram. Have a great day and keep staying safe!

My instagram name can be found on my public profile! The poem is also published on Allpoetry, in which you can also find on my public profile!