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Now Reading: “Public Display Of Autism” — a Poem by Tina Moreland

“Public Display Of Autism” — a Poem by Tina Moreland

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Somebody posted this poem on my Facebok wall and I kinda liked it. And I thought you all might to…

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Public Display of Autism
A Poem by Tina Moreland

If he falls to the floor, kicking and screaming, because there’s no chicken nuggets, it’s just his way of coping. Be patient, you’ll get your turn to order.

If she bumps her head and starts to hit herself in the face, don’t stare, it’s her frustration. Mom will handle it, she see’s it everyday.

If dad is cutting his child’s food, he’s not treating him like baby. He just doesn’t want his son to choke.

If she ignores your child on the playground, she’s not a brat. She’s just not good at social interaction. She would love to play with your child, she just doesn’t know how.

He may be to big to sit in the shopping cart, no, he’s not lazy. He wants to run around, but his mom needs to shop. She’s not up for chasing him today.

If she has to be carried out screaming, it’s probably because of a meltdown. Be helpful, open the door. Don’t just stare or whisper. No, it’s not because she didn’t get the toy she wanted. If it were only that simple.

Don’t talk to her like a child, unless she is one. Don’t yell, she’s not deaf. She may not talk, but she can understand.

No, it’s not bad parenting. Discipline won’t help.

This is autism, it’s his life. Don’t judge him, he’s not judging you.


Written by

Frank Campagna

I’m a 48 year old neurotypical dad with a 14 year old son with severe, non-verbal autism & epilepsy. I created this blog to rant about autism & epilepsy while celebrating my son who I affectionately call “the king” :-).


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7 People Replies to ““Public Display Of Autism” — a Poem by Tina Moreland”

  1. Tina Moreland

    So glad my poem is being shared. I hope it promotes autism awareness. I have also written a children's book to help children understand autism. Adam Has Autism, for my grandson Adam.

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1518719724/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473351966&sr=1-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=adam+has+autism&dpPl=1&dpID=51eHAZXhDhL&ref=plSrch

  2. Tina Moreland

    I just found this here. So glad you like my poem. I have a grandson with autism and this poem addresses some of our issues and the issues of my friends that also have children in their lives with autism. I wrote it hoping that it would educate some people. Thank you for posting it here.

  3. Anonymous

    I HATE people who stare at us because my son is doing something weird. I just want to yell at them~

  4. Anonymous

    I love Love love this…I wish more people would get it…

  5. Anonymous

    Only if you have walked in those shoes would someone understand! Thanks for posting!

  6. Anonymous

    If SHE'S not talking to the Other Child, she isn't being a BRAT. she's just discovered that YOUR child is a BRAT, and decided it's not worth it to talk to her.

  7. sherriy

    excellent ms. tina!