When I was first diagnosed with autism my mum & dad had a difficult time accepting what the future held for me. But they were determined to do whatever it took to improve my quality of life. Below is a poem my mum had written at the time of diagnosis explaining how my parents felt. I know other parents of autistic kids like me can probably relate to some of these feelings but please let us know what you think.
My Son Roan He may be slow to talk but he is a little dream to me He may not smile too much but he is as happy as can be. So the doctors words are hanging in the air, the world is still My little boys autistic but he'll speak I know he will. How dare the doctor tell me that his outlook is so bleak He is MY son Roan Craig I know him best my son WILL speak!! The doctors voice drones on & I feel like I could cry I try to speak but the words won't come my mouth & throat are dry. The shock is just too much to bear my husband feels it too But we must be strong, stand unified & decide whats best to do. I stare at my beautiful innocent son & tears stream down my face Why didn't I know, what kind of mother am I, I'm an absolute disgrace Engulfed by mixed emotions I feel helpless & so scared But we vow to do whatever it takes our mission is declared. You see, my son may find life difficult but I'll be with him all the while And with each new task my son completes I cannot help but smile I look at Roan as a precious gift & I'm honoured to be his mum And I want him to know I love him so much, my beautiful, wonderful son. Lisa Craig |
My mum likes to write to try & express how she is feeling inside. She often asks questions she anticipates I will ask as I get older & worrys how she will answer me correctly. Below is another poem which aks the question, "What is normal?"
WHAT IS NORMAL?
Tell me, what is normal? Am I normal mum?
I look in Roans pleading eyes & nod yes you are son.
But am I telling the truth to my young autistic boy?
As I watch him play repeatedly with his favourite little toy.
Does it matter if he’s normal what exactly does this mean?
My son may struggle through his life but does that make him less keen
To learn & laugh & play with his so called normal friends
His thirst for life is unquenchable it will stay with him till the end.
We must look at people as they are, not the labels they are given
As my son & many like him are smart & highly driven
They have so much to give, & they could brighten up your life
& my dream is that some day he will find himself a wife.
Happiness is key to enabling one to grow
So make someone happy by letting them know
That you see them as a person not an illness or a disease
For it is a privilege to know these people who work hard in order to please.
So remove your NORMAL lenses & look at people as they are
& instead of a disability see an up & coming star
For we all have our faults & yet we try to do our best
Similarly those with a disability can be just as good as the rest.
I feel blessed to have an autistic son who is warm & loving & giving
& having him in my life has made life so fulfilling
You see my normal little boy has a heart that’s made of gold
& I yearn for the day when he reveals to me his many stories still untold.
Lisa Craig
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