International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication Celebrating AAC Aawareness around the world

 

WHAT AUTISM IS?
By:  Shannon Barnes

 
Autism is the reason i do not process  or use information the same as others do.
 
Autism is the reason my sensory systems are very sensitive and cross-wired.....this being, my hearing,  touch, vision,  taste, and smell.
 
Autism is the reason why I have trouble relating to people,  making friends,  ect.
 
Autism is why I have trouble communicating smooth and easy without the aide of a computer.
 
Autism is why I can say words, but not always communicate
 
Autism is what makes me able to fling myself on the floor kicking and screaming, having a "class A" tantrum even when I am 36 years old.
 
Autism is why taking in simple daily life things can cause me to stress out and overload.
 
Autism is how I am so good at and enjoy doing repetitive tasks and behaviors.
 
Autism is what makes me stimulate, relax, focus, and pleasure from rocking, flapping, making vocal sounds, rubbing, bouncing,  and repeating or listening to things over and over.
 
Autism is why I am really good at certain things but  not others.
 
Autism is what makes me like a young child with child interests, manners, and expressions.  But at the same time I possess great knowledge, special gifts, skills and wisdom.
 
Autism is the reason I have special gifts that most normals dont have.
 
Autism is why I can't make eye contact, or remember who people are, or even control my own facial expressions and movements.
 
Autism  is why I still need a constant security object...always an unusual object that I am attached to and need with me at all times.
 
Autism is why I naturally put my fingers and other objects in my mouth for various reasons from sensory input, to comfort needs.
 
Autism is why I explore the world and things around me in unique ways compared to most people.
 
Autism is why I take in feelings of others,  and how I express my feelings and emotions different then the normals do.
 
Autism is what causes me to scream and cry when I have had     ''too  much''
 
Autism is why I find most physical contact overwhelming and some even painful....but a very light, gentle touch or rub,  I find extreme pleasure and calmness in.
 
Autism is the reason  the things I like to  do, eat, see, how I talk and act....all might seem different or even weird to you.
 
Autism is many things,     it is very complex
 
Autism   makes me stand out to some, autism makes me different from the rest.
 
Autism is not "normal" you say ? , it is to me. but what is normal? and who's to say what is and isn't normal.
 
Autism is me, it is special and unique
 
Autism is awesome.
 
I am unique and awesome.   Autistic and PROUD !