Kayla Meredith is a creative person who is a native speaker of Japanese, avidly watches anime, and can state the complete evolution of every single Pokémon to any willing ear. She has a giving, gentle soul as evidenced by teaching English Conversation for free to a Ukrainian student abroad and volunteering monthly at the Frist Art Museum. She also happens to be my daughter and neurodivergent. Growing up, she struggled relating to her classmates and even experienced bullying for her “quirkiness” throughout her childhood. When she was befriended by Ethan Wadzinski in high school and later met Amythyst Morris Willis in a college graphic design course, she finally discovered her people. Both Ethan and Amythyst identify as being on the Spectrum or Autistic. These friends of Kayla’s have helped her feel welcomed and included just as she is. This tremendous trio share a love for gaming and eating food from various cultures. Their common interests initiated their relationships; but it is in their uniqueness where they shine. Kayla, Ethan, and Amythyst truly bring out the best in each other by embracing all that they are, “quirks” included. I have witnessed these three talented individuals build confidence, improve social skills, and support one another through good and difficult times. Moreover, Kayla and her two besties have empowered my learning to not only better understand Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as well as other types of neurodivergence, but also whole-heartedly accept my daughter and her peers for the brilliance they add to our world. Therefore, to honor my daughter, her two best friends, all members of the neurodivergent community, and this year’s World Autism Acceptance Month theme: Celebrate Differences, I wrote a poem titled “Acrostic ASD.”
AUTISM
Advocates
Undergoing
Transitions to
Impact
Societal
Mindsets
SPECTRUM
Skilled
People
Expressing
Creative
Thoughts and
Reasoning in a
Unique
Manner
DISORDER
Divergent
Individuals
Showing
Others
Respect for
Disability
Experiences and
Rights
An acrostic is a style of poetry where the first letter of each line spells out a word or message. Below is another example of mine, inspired by my loved ones, where the first letter of each line forms the word AUTISTIC.
Accepted
Understood
Supported
Trained
Included
Celebrated
Now that you have read my 2 poems, I encourage you to compose your own acrostic in celebration of Autism Acceptance Month and the beauty of neurodivergence. Need some inspiration? Check out the following statewide organizations listed on tnpathfinder.org and visit our website to find even more agencies, resources, and events that locally support individuals on the spectrum as well as their family members.
TRIAD / Vanderbilt Autism Resource Line
Family Engagement in Special Education-Tennessee (FESPED-TN)