Listen to our voice
The autistic voice
allow its tones and registers
to make their mark
to say resoundingly
we are different, yes.
different not less.
Definitely different.
Definitely not less
ASD they call it.
ASD three letters that
fall so easily from the the lips,
of therapists, Drs, educators parents….
ASD three letters, that,
bring with them so many,
preconceptions, judgements,
so many stereotypes.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
No No No.
I am not disordered.
I am not sick.
I am different!
ASD three letters.
But with one little change.
Difference not disorder.
Autism Spectrum Difference.
Let’s call it that instead.
Do we call Einstein disordered?
Bill Gates, Steve Jobs?
No we call them eccentric,
No we call them different.
What about Dan Ackroyd.
What about Daryl Hannah.
And Tesla – There’s a big name!
Would we call them disordered.
No Different Not disordered.
Different Not Less.
I’m worried that someone, someday, will respond: “Different, not less? Then if you’re merely different, you do not need or deserve help for what’s just a difference after all!”
Do we withhold the help from people of other differences? Do we consider people of other races as less or different, and if different do we withhold relevant supports. The two are not mutually exclusive.
Why do you have those little “hats” over the letters A and U sometimes? Are you trying to get autistic people to pronounce them differently from other people, or some such thing?
They are, as I imagine you are aware actually circumflex’s. I realise you have some issue with Âû I have asked you about it but you have chosen not to elaborate. I use the Âû as I agree with and affirm the ten points of the autistic union movement.
I’m autistic and I don’t think there’s anything so earthshakingly “special” about autistic people’s voices compared with anyone else’s.
Correct, nothing earthshakingly special at all, but they are autistic voice about being autistic which will always be the most authentic and accurate voice about living as an autistic.
I love being different! That’s what makes us so unique. When we have an autistic in the White House than we will finally see peace and happiness in this world.
Short and sweet, I like