A Different Normal

What? No there’s no way you’re autistic!

You say it as if it’s a disease

But you seem normal to me!

Normal?

What’s normal to you is intolerable, painful

your bright lights

your loud noises

and conversations

and parties

make my head spin

my otherwise intelligent brain freezes

makes me panic

shutdown

curl in a ball

cover my head

hit my head

What is normal for you

requires coping strategies for me

quiet space

support for basic adulting

. . .

The complete poem appears in Magical Women Magazine Vol. 1 you can purchase it here and support this amazing group that gives voice to neurodivergent artists. https://www.magicalwomen.co.uk/