Today is World Autism Awareness Day, and so what better way to honour this important cause than by listening to one of the young voices of our generation, who is living with autism themselves.
Beth Hiatt, from the States, is just 13 years of age, but she is already becoming something of an internet sensation this week, after penning an incredibly candid post about her autism.
Her essay, entitled ‘Let’s Talk About Autism’, was originally published in her school newspaper, but has attracted plenty of attention and praise since being published to the ‘Autistic Not Weird’ Facebook page.
Opening her impressive piece of writing, Beth simply states: “I have autism. And I’m not ashamed to admit that.”
She goes on to explain the different levels of autism and how it affects people in different ways. In fact, hundreds of people on social media have been able to relate her incredibly vivid description.
Today's "Awesome Story"- here's something I love. :D Beth, aged 13, wrote this article about autism for her school...
Posted by Autistic Not Weird on Monday, March 28, 2016
“Imagine having all five senses multiplied by one hundred. Many people with autism, myself included, have never experienced complete silence. We always hear the humming of the lights, or a bird outside, or even the sound of our own breath. We always hear this loud and clear, even in noise-filled crowded room. We feel labels in our clothes for the entirety of the day if they are not cut out, some smells and tastes make us literally unable to breathe,” she writes.
She also explains her logic of what she refers to as the ‘slip-ups’ that she has often made on account of her autism, and how these are misconceived by people who don’t understand the condition.
She explains: “Most people are born with a general understanding but just need to be reminded to mind their P’s and Q’s from time to time. Usually, they are well-mannered by the age of four or so. Well… we are all still learning, whether we are eight or eighty. We do try our hardest to think before we speak, but we slip up quite a lot. Sure, it’s funny and cute when a three-year-old says something they shouldn’t, but when a nine-year-old accidently starts an argument between their family after they repeat something their parents muttered under their breath…you’re seen as rude and inconsiderate.”
Sharing her post to mark World Autism Awareness Day, Beth sent a rallying final message to raise awareness not just today, but every single day.
“Try to make a safe space if somebody with autism is on edge at a party. Gently nudge them if they say something wrong. Pick them for your team if playing sports. Even smiling and saying ‘hello’ in the corridor. Small gestures matter. Often, they can speak louder than words ever could. Please, be autism aware,” she added.
We couldn’t think of a more articulate or well-written piece to share with you all on this day. Well done to Beth for opening minds and changing lives.
