The Bottom Shelf Review

When I think about what it means to be “human,”
I don’t think of “normalcy”
When I think about the word “autism,”
I don’t think of “disability”

No, what I think of with autism, or any other disorder,
I think of a longing of acceptance, of a longing to belong
Of finding a place in society that treats us as equals
Not bring us down for our differences

No, what I think of with autism, or any other disorder,
I think of a longing of acceptance, of a longing to belong
Of finding a place in society that treats us as equals
Not bring us down for our differences

The truth is, we can still be listening to others
Stare at a corner in a room and still listening
Doodling in our note takers and still listening
Not make eye-contact and still listening
We can thrive in society, if given the right patience
Given the right support and assurance that we can succeed

The truth is, we can still be listening to others
Stare at a corner in a room and still listening
Doodling in our note takers and still listening
Not make eye-contact and still listening
We can thrive in society, if given the right patience
Given the right support and assurance that we can succeed

My sensitivities are as followed:
-Bright lights hurts my head and eyes
-Loud sounds hurts my ears
-Strong smells hurts my nostrils
-People not understanding my way of thinking hurts my emotions
My brain may think differently from those who claim to be “normal,”
But I am not “normal,” I am my own human being

Elementary, Middle, and Senior High were difficult times
For someone like me who thinks differently
They called me names, told me I wouldn’t succeed
Pushed me off to the side and put me in classes
Where they said I would “be just like them”
They tried to take away my rights to special help
But my mother and father wouldn’t stand by that
They embraced me for who I am
And I am forever thankful for them every day

They told me that I would never get into college
That they would never accept someone with a mind like mine
But here I am today, thriving in college
My final semester is this year
Soon, I will walk down the aisle with my friends for graduation
And finally get my diploma I worked hard for

I am happier where I am now, away from my old life
Here in Chambersburg, I feel more welcomed
Accepted for my differences and not treated badly
I’ve made great, long-lasting friendships
Both with my professors and peers
If not for them, I would’t be where I am today

I’ve come this far
To prove to those that I can succeed
That I can push forward for a higher education
That I can do anything I put my mind to

For I am not slow-minded, and I am not invisible
I am not temperamental, and I am not silent
I am not a disability
I am a capability