Autism Night Before Christmas

Although I wrote this last year, it seems even more appropriate this year. Enjoy, and happy holidays to all.

Cindy Waeltermann AutismLink http://www.autismlink.com/

Wrote this last year... still seems to be fitting.

Autism Night Before Christmas

by Cindy Waeltermann

.

Twas the Night Before Christmas

And all through the house

The creatures were stirring

Yes, even the mouse

.

We tried melatonin

And gave a hot bath

But the holiday jitters

They always distract

.

The children were finally

All nestled in bed

When nightmares of terror

Ran through my OWN head

.

Did I get the right gift

The right colorAnd style

Would there be a tantrum

Or even, maybe, a smile?

.

Our relatives come

But they don't understand

The pleasure he gets

Just from flapping his hands.

.

"He needs discipline," they say"

Just a well-needed smack,

You must learn to parent..."

And on goes the attack

.

We smile and nod

Because we know deep inside

The argument is moot

Let them all take a side

.

We know what it's like

To live with the spectrum

The struggles and triumphs

Achievements, regressions...

.

But what they don't know

And what they don't see

Is the joy that we feel

Over simplicity

.

He said "hello"

He ate something green!

He told his first lie!

He did not cause a scene!

.

He peed on the potty

Who cares if he's ten,

He stopped saying the same thing

Again and again!

.

Others don't realize

Just how we can cope

How we bravely hang on

At the end of our rope

.

But what they don't see

Is the joy we can't hide

When our children with autism

Make the tiniest stride

.

We may look at others

Without the problems we face

With jealousy, hatred

Or even distaste,

.

But what they don't know

Nor sometimes do we

Is that children with autism

Bring simplicity.

.

We don't get excited

Over expensive things

We jump for joy

With the progress work brings

.

Children with autism

Try hard every day

That they make us proud

More than words can say.

.

They work even harder

Than you or I

To achieve something small

To reach a star in the sky

.

So to those who don't get it

Or can't get a clue

Take a walk in my shoes

And I'll assure you

.

That even 10 minutes

Into the walk

You'll look at me

With respect, even shock.

.

You will realize

What it is I go through

And the next time you judge

I can assure you

.

That you won't say a thing

You'll be quiet and learn,

Like the years that I did

When the tables were turned...