Taylor Edison has written this piece based on her own experiences of living with Asperger’s and shares her story in her new book I Know What You Are- she writes;
I Know What You Are
I have Asperger's, a syndrome which is on the autistic spectrum. It is also one of the more often misunderstood forms of autism, as, in many cases, it doesn’t show as a visible disability.
(1)
I can cope with loud noises and crowds
But
Some days I end up leaving my classes early
Because it all gets too overwhelming
(2)
I understand humour and sarcasm
But I struggle
And
Often seem a “little slow”
(3)
Things are very literal to me
A bad grade on my assignment
Means I am Bad
An argument with my partner
Means our relationship is over
(4)
Just because I look “normal” doesn’t mean
I don’t have Asperger's
(5)
My condition
Does not define
My personality
(6)
Some of my behaviour traits
Are quirky
That’s just me
Not everything is Asperger's related
(7)
When I don’t understand
It is not helpful to raise your voice
Or
Patronise me
(8)
Not everyone with autism
Fits the same tick-box list
Of symptoms
(9)
There are great bonuses
To my Asperger's
Such as a photographic memory
(10)
We are human
And
We have the same
Mind
Heart
And
Emotions
They might just seem to work
Differently
From others
I Know What You Are by Taylor Edison and Jane Smith is published by Harper Element, £7.99