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AUTISM IS NOT MY NAME
By Ivonne Delaflor
What is it like for my child to live
under the condition of autism?
Recently I was asked that question for a media interview, hours of pondering and contemplation occurred. How was I to know what he was experiencing with what many have called a curse or untreatable disease? What was it like to be casted as someone with a “neurological disorder” that pre-supposes it has no cure at all, and has no reason or understanding why it emerges in the first place”? How could I answer that question after witnessing every day the healing of my son, hundreds of lives changed by his presence, my family coming closer together?…Consistently witnessing evolution and growth and committing to see his potential beyond the label, where he couldn’t establish eye contact or say a word now he is in full conversations, opinions and moving embraces with all. How could I answer this...aren't we all living under labels or conditions anyway?
My answer came in the later hours one night, a tribute to my teacher; for my son labeled as “Autistic”:
AUTISM IS NOT MY NAME©
My boy wakes up with a smile each day,
He starts the day with laughter
He plays like everyone else, and sustains hispeaceful actions over the day,
He thrives when there is peace around him
And succumbs upon the face of conflict,
He is beyond labels and feels self-assured!
How do I know this?
This is my son
Who thrives with the celebration of life,
He hugs and loves each day with pride;
He is beyond labels, he is beyond names
His self-esteem is growing each day
He has waken us up to a new world of love
Has brought us closer to the search for more,
We all have gotten healthier and closer to the Earth,
No pesticides, no vaccines, no struggle...just more health.
His sister has made a plea;
Would you love me more if I were just like him?
We wake up every day realizing what a gift!
Healing occurs step by step each day,
And we wonder who is the one that heals anyway?
My boy makes eye contact now,
He always did, we are the ones that realize this now,
My boy loves to sing and share,
He always did we are joining his song now.
My boy feels love for all beings,
Oh what a gift this modeling is.
My boy is beyond labels and names;
For his message of peace is taking place;
See me as I am beyond the veils, he seems to say;
Embrace life with joy, beyond despair
Love one another and I reach my potential,
Believe in me, believe in me.
I am not the label I was given,
I am not a condition of my mind.
I have gifts, I am alive!
Treat all human beings alike!
I have the same needs, and the same drives,
I fall in love, I dream, I rejoice…I laugh
I feel the pain, I feel the loss, and I am ahuman being
I am JUST LIKE YOU.
I am an invitation for everyone to ask themselves;
What's the bigger picture, what is the path to take?
Do not give up on me, do not fall in despair!
I can thrive; I can heal, for my condition is just a call to do things in a different way.
Help me to thrive, help me to understand your world,and I will show you mine, which is filled with love.
Expect higher from me, and celebrate my life;
Be kind to one another
Be gentle with your smile.
Remember that this very moment
Will never be the same;
And most of all remember please:
That I am not autism…this is not my name
Ivonne Delaflor
www.spiritualfaceofautism.webs.com
