This week is neurodiversity week, so we are celebrating all those with autism dyslexia. ADHD Tourette's syndrome, dyspraxia and many more.
I am sharing this poem which was written by a 12 year old girl with Autism.
ADHD poem - Neurodiversity Week
Take a seat and sit with me
I want to talk about ASD
If you don't mind I'd like to explain
A little thing called autism and how it affects my brain
It can make me anxious, angry and afraid
But this stays in my head, on my face it's not displayed
I may seem heartless and question your meanings
But it takes me a little longer to process the feelings
Take a seat and sit with me I want to show you ASD
A girl sitting quietly is all you see
But inside my mind I am far from free
My thoughts collide, my senses take over
I become overwhelmed by the smallest sound
Clicking pens, ticking clocks
That boy's chair and the way it rocks
All different smells attacking me
The perfumes, the coffee, the teacher's tea
Take a seat and sit with me
But not too close, I have ASD
I try to be social, I try to fit in
I come across rude, I can never win
I am very literal and straight to the point
If you want the truth I won't disappoint
When my brain is overloaded I sometimes lash out
My control fades, I scream and shout
I get confused and it all spills out
Intense emotions all trapped inside
Finally have nowhere to hide
Take a seat and sit with me I want to tell you about ASD
Please understand I am not to blame I've just got an atypical brain But it's not all doom and gloom
I'm often the sportiest girl in the room
I'm quirky, unique, kind and caring
I'm loyal, protective and always sharing
I'm obsessed with frogs and all things green
I'm the youngest trendsetter you've ever seen
Take a seat and sit with me
I am Ava, I am me
I'm not just my label of ASD
ADHD poem - Neurodiversity Week
Take my hand and come with me, I want to teach you about ADHD.
I need you to know, I want to explain, I have a very different brain.
Sights, sounds and thoughts collide, What to do first? I can't decide.
Please understand I'm not to blame, I just can't process things the same.
Take my hand and walk with me, Let me show you about ADHD.
I try to behave, I want to be good, But I sometimes forget to do as I should.
Walk with me and wear my shoes, You'll see it’s not the way I'd choose.
I do know what I'm supposed to do, But my brain is slow getting the message through.
Take my hand and talk with me, I want to tell you about ADHD.
I rarely think before I talk, I often run when I should walk.
It's hard to get my work done, My thoughts are outside having fun.
I never know just where to start, I think with my feelings and see with my heart.
Take my hand and stand by me, I need you to know about ADHD.
It's hard to explain but I want you to know, I can't help letting my feelings show.
Sometimes I'm angry, jealous, or sad, I feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and mad.
I can't concentrate and I lose all my stuff, I try really hard but it's never enough.
Take my hand and learn with me, We need to know more about ADHD.
I worry a lot about getting things wrong, Everything I do takes twice as long.
Everyday is exhausting for me... Looking through the fog of ADHD.
I'm often so misunderstood, I would change in a heartbeat if I could.
Take my hand and listen to me, I want to share a secret about ADHD.
I want you to know there is more to me, I'm not defined by it, you see.
I'm sensitive, kind and lots of fun.
I'm blamed for things I haven't done.
I'm the most loyal friend you'll ever know, I just need a chance to let it show.
Take my hand and look at me, Just forget about the ADHD.
I have real feelings just like you, The love in my heart is just as true.
I may have a brain that can never rest, But please understand I'm trying my best.
I want you to know, I need you to see, I'm more than the label, I am still me