Do autistic people know what love is?
Donna Williams aged 6
and this made me feel I was valued and of worth no matter what wars raged around us, no matter finding myself isolated and ‘tolerated’ an on the fringes at schools.
This remained a candle in the dark within my soul through homelessness and through abuse, through giving up on myself and on life. This gifted me the feeling I was worth my food, worth writing books, worth the art materials, worth my space in this crowded world.
Those who taught me I was light, because I saw it reflected back in them, are the backbone of my strength, resilience and endurance… and my humility. None of them made me feel inflated, or an object of value, or ‘special’ or unique. They made me feel I was VALUED, a person, and an equal.
Donna Williams, BA Hons, Dip Ed.
Author, artist,and presenter.
http://www.donnawilliams.net
I acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Owners of this country throughout Australia, and their connection to land and community.
Hi Donna. I came across your blogs by accident whilst trying to research everything I can on ASD & really enjoyed & can identify with your experience. I feel everyone feels love, know what love is but do not always receive it. the word VALUED as a person, an equal is so essential. I have a son with ASD who was misdiagnosed as a young child even though he was tested for ASD at the time, but I always thought he showed certain signs of having it. He was diagnosed with ASD as an adult & I am new at learning my computer. He was a beautiful child, everything rolled into one. I am desperately seeking help on how to handle certain behaviours but as I am very limited in being able to go out to meetings etc. at present I am desperate for help online or by phone but I do not have much privacy. I need to talk to someone about the specifics as I am just holding on by the skin of my teeth trying to cope. I receive info via email from Autism SA but I can’t seem to get the help I need. Most help seems to be for children or young people. I noticed that a support offline leave a message sign on side of my pc but unsure about my privacy & how to use social media. I love your website & have written down your lists of recent posts & categories. Your blog page is beautifully illustrated & gives us a warm feeling. keep up the good work & I hope to receive a reply via email as soon as you have the time. Thankyou, Ginette.