To the Children on the Autism Spectrum I Work With Every Day

As a speech language pathologist, I have the privilege to work with young children on the autism spectrum every day. Recently, I was asked by a colleague to write something reflecting my experience with these amazing little ones, and as April is Autism Awareness Month, I felt moved to share it beyond the walls of our school.

I see you.

I see that you came to school today.

I see your favorite striped shirt and your not-so-favorite lace-up sneakers.

I see that you showed a friend your brand new backpack.

I see you found your favorite swing on the far side on the playground.​

I see you’re feeling like you’d rather stay outside.

I see you playing happily with the fastest engine from your train set.

I see you’d prefer I not play with you right now.

I see that you’re excited to listen to your favorite song.

I see that today, you don’t feel like talking in a “big” voice.

I see a smile a mile-wide, while you cruise down the slide.

I see that today, you don’t want to color with crayons.

I see you laughing hard when we do a silly dance.

I see that you don’t feel like using your words today.

I see a stack of blocks so tall you had to reach way up on your tiptoes to finish it.

I see you feeling like going to the gym is going to be too much for you right now.

I see a child who is perfectly and uniquely made, who will struggle and fall short and succeed and excel.

I see a child who is just right.