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But why?

A poem about autism

By Josey PickeringPublished 2 years ago • 1 min read
But why?
Photo by Morgan Basham on Unsplash

Why can’t you just stay still and stop moving so much?

Because I am autistic.

Why do you have to use that as an excuse?

Because if I don’t tell you I’m autistic, you’ll judge me otherwise.

Why can’t you just act normal then?

Because it’s exhausting to pretend I’m something I’m not.

Why can’t you just adapt then and just blend in?

Because the world isn’t just for you, it’s for everyone, me included.

Why do you expect us to accommodate you then?

Because I’ve spent my entire life changing myself to make normal people comfortable.

Quieting down to keep you happy, stilling the need to move my body to soothe your needs and stifle my own. You urge me to talk more but silence me because my words don’t intrigue you. You expect to me to remain calm in uncomfortable situations and seem to think asking for accommodation is a chore or burden.

Why can’t I have access to live freely and comfortably as an autistic person?

Why must you question everything I do?

Mental Health

About the Creator

Josey Pickering

Autistic, non-binary, queer horror nerd with a lot to say.

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    Written by Josey Pickering