Congratulations to 12-year-old secondary school student, Ava who has won a national poetry competition with her entry about living with autism
You can read her winning ‘Power of Poetry’ entry below:
“Take a seat and sit with me I want to talk about ASD If you don’t mind I’d like to explain A little thing called autism and how it affects my brain It can make me anxious, angry, and afraid But this stays in my head; on my face, it’s not displayed I may seem heartless and question your meanings But it takes me a little longer to process the feelings Take a seat and sit with me I want to show you ASD A girl sitting quietly is all you see But inside my mind, I am far from free My thoughts collide, and my senses take over I become overwhelmed by the smallest sound Clicking pens, ticking clocks That boy’s chair and the way it rocks All different smells attacking me The perfumes, the coffee, the teacher’s tea Take a seat and sit with me But not too close; I have ASD I try to be social, I try to fit in I come across as rude, I can never win I am very literal and straight to the point If you want the truth, I won’t disappoint When my brain is overloaded, I sometimes lash out My control fades; I scream and shout I get confused, and it all spills out Intense emotions all trapped inside Finally, have nowhere to hide Take a seat and sit with me. I want to tell you about ASD Please understand I am not to blame; I’ve just got an atypical brain But it’s not all doom and gloom I’m often the sportiest girl in the room I’m quirky, unique, kind, and caring I’m loyal, protective, and always sharing I’m obsessed with frogs and all things green I’m the youngest trendsetter you’ve ever seen Take a seat and sit with me I am Ava, I am me I’m not just my label of ASD.”