My mum misses me, my family dissess me.
Society dehumanises me. Despises me. Criticize me.
They are fossilized. I do not apologise.
I am ridiculed, violated, bullied. Ignored.
I am stared at, laughed at spat at.
What have I done to you? I mind my own business.
I do not listen. I do not see or give you the third degree.
I am holistic, simplistic certainly not materialistic.
My disability is your prejudice, systemic injustice.
Your presumptions and assumptions.
Intolerance of my difference.
Your misperception I take objection.
I am not a disorder, im not a symptom. Its not catching.
Im not a label or a vegetable or a crystal angel.
Im not a lost soul or out of control.
Im not from outer space, or a charity case.
I am suppressed not possessed.
Institution is not a solution.
I don’t have a condition, im not an exhibition.
Im not an artist or a musician, or on a hostile expedition.
Maybe I will become a politician.
Im not an Einstein or like Rain man.
Im not Pinocchio or Peter pan.
Im not ill, I don’t want your pills
Or your out of date text book skills.
Im not a zoo exhibition or a freak show,
Im a feeling human from head to toe.
I can get lost in the worlds beauty
So don’t make me fit in your reality.
Why should I conform
To what you think is the norm
Like a Big Brother contestant
All we want is acceptance.
The world loves Happyfeet Nemo and Shrek
So should I paint my face green and be on Star Trek?
I create employment and opportunity,
I educate the world in diversity.
You cant bleed the devil out of me,
People like me have influenced history.
You need me.
So don’t cure me.
Don’t pity me just let me be.
‘Copyright © 2007 UKCS Registration No:280582’
By Casdok
Loved your poem…..and would love to share it with staff who work with autistic children at my organization through the monthly staff newsletter.
As a mother with an autistic son, I loved it. It was powerful..May I share it with everyone? My boy will someday soar above the negativity.
Thanks – I can’t give permission since I didn’t write this poem. Please email motherofshrek@hotmail.co.uk for permission to use the poem.
Hi Julie- I emailed the author who will contact you regarding permission to use the poem. Thanks so much for your comment.
I would be flattered. Thank you!
Hi Casdok, this is brilliant poem! I am starting a reading group for people with disabilities and would love to use this poem by you. Let me know if that’s cool. Cheers.
Very cool 🙂
no bad…
Dearest Autistic Rap Your Poem is the best thing I have ever read.
You made me understand completely my godson Matthew who is a proud Aspie, that certain extra, I will read your poem to him, he is also inspiring and inspired hope you both can connect via email.
you made me smile in hope and laughter and reality. please send via email any other inspirations you may have created.
Matthew is twenty seven and working of some very cleaver inventions.
please connect spencerworldwide@mac.com love from Patricia
May I please use this with my students too?
Please contact Casdok (see comments above or link at end of poem for her blog) for permission 🙂
Or motherofshrek@hotmail.co.uk
PLease do 🙂
Could I also use this poem with my students?
Please see above information in the comments to contact the author to obtain permission.
Hi, i was wondering if you would mind if i used this rap for an assignment ? Im doing a degree in health and social care and the assignment is on different models affecting disability.. discrimination etc and this is perfect.
I have looked at the blog etc and can see no where to email you
thanks and best wishes
LUCY
Yes of course – would be honoured 🙂
Hi everyone,
I contacted Casdok about giving permission for using the poem and am not sure if she contacted any of you.
Her blog link is here if you want to contact her directly
http://motherofshrek.blogspot.com/
I teach an eighth grade inclusion class and you love to share this poem. May I?
Could I please use this poem for my class. i am teaching about students with special needs.
Please email motherofshrek@hotmail.co.uk for permission.
THIS FITS MY CHILDREN TO A T BOTH ARE AUTISTIC. THEY JUST WANT TO BELONG. BUT SOCIETY IS SO MEAN TO KIDS WHO HAVE DISABILITIES. EVEN THE GOVERNMENT IS MEA TO THEM. WHEN YOU APPLY FOR HELP WITH THEM SO YOU CAN BUY THE WEIGHTED BLANKET AND VEST YOU GET DENIED.
Dear Ruth,
you are really great. nice work of your. Inspiring.
Sarwat Toheed