Hi, my name is Andy

I’m the boy who seldom speaks

The one you call a weirdo

The one you call a freak

Your mum won’t let you play with me

She’s concerned my behaviours strange

Scared you might catch something

Or fall into the autism range

But I’m just a child like you once were

I’m made of flesh and bone

Sometimes I’ll repeat my movements

Or I might prefer to be alone

I like to run around the garden

And splash in muddy puddles

I love my beans on toast

And I treasure Granddads cuddles

Please don’t blame my parents

They do everything for me

It’s not environmental, dietetic or genetic

No specific cause for ASD

Don’t think I’m being naughty

That’s really not my intention

My perspective is a little different

Not ‘clearly’ desperate for attention

I’m just like other children

Each one of us unique

Don’t judge me by your standards

Don’t assume my futures bleak

I have dreams and aspirations

Ambitions to achieve

The strength to be my own man

The willingness to succeed

And as I get a bit older

There’s a chance my symptoms will fade

So the one thing I ask of you

Always understand that I’m specially made