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Hello, Stranger
Hello, stranger
Hiding from behind
A cash register
At the grocery store
You think I can’t see you
Staring
But I can
You think I can’t feel the judgment
Behind your eyes
But I can
You think I can’t hear the words you whisper
But I can
Because
I may be nonverbal
But I’m not deaf
Although sometimes
Your words
Make me wish I was
To you
I am
Unimportant
Stupid
Ugly
But
I’m not
And it doesn’t take a genius
To see your prejudice
So
I’ll just walk away
And pretend I saw nothing
Felt nothing
Heard nothing
But I did
Because
I am more
Than just
A defect
Hello, stranger
Or should I say
Grandpa
Uncle
Cousin
Every relative
I’ve ever known
You think I can’t see
The disappointment
When you look at me
But I can
You think I can’t feel
The indifference
When you stare
But I can
You think I can’t hear
The childish way you talk
When I’m around
But I can
Because
I may be nonverbal
But I’m not deaf
Although sometimes
Your words
Make me wish I was
To you
I am
Everything
You never
Wanted
But
I’m not
And it doesn’t take a genius
To see your prejudice
So
I’ll just walk away
And pretend I saw nothing
Felt nothing
Heard nothing
But I did
Because
I am more
Than just
A defect
Hello, stranger
Grading my papers
From your scary desk
At that scary school
With those scary kids
You think I can’t see you
Staring
When I’m just working
But I can
You think I can’t feel the heat
Of your harsh grading
Because I’m autistic and smart
But I can
You think I can’t hear
Your harsh comments
To other teachers
But I can
Because
I may be nonverbal
But I’m not deaf
Although sometimes
Your words
Make me wish I was
To you
I am
The problem
No teacher wants
But
I’m not
And it doesn’t take a genius
To see your prejudice
So
I’ll just walk away
And pretend I saw nothing
Felt nothing
Heard nothing
But I did
Because
I am more
Than just
A defect
Hello, mom
Dad
You understand, don’t you?
Why I look this way
Act this way
Learn this way
You understand
What triggers me
What doesn’t
What I like
What I don’t
You understand
Because you know me
Not my “defect”
I may be different
But I’m still human
Although sometimes
Their actions
Make me hate
Who I really am
To you
I’m the child
You’ve always loved
And it doesn’t take a genius
To understand why
So
I’ll just walk away
And pretend I saw nothing
Felt nothing
Heard nothing
Because I know
What they can never understand
And I am more
Than just
A defect
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Recently, I worked at a camp for kids with autism. It really brought to light the discrimination these kids face on a daily basis just because of unfair societal standards. It's sad, especially since many people with autism are extremely bright. Writing this piece helped me to step into someone else's shoes and experience life from their perspective. It was a unique and interesting experience.