By Dan L. Edmunds, PH.D.
What is wrong with that boy?
He does not really express joy
He flaps his arms and lets out a squeal
Good Lord! What is his deal?
He goes off alone and spins wheels
He never tells us how he feels
He actually rarely ever says a word
It is mostly gibberish that cannot really be heard
He screams when they cut his hair
And taking him to the store is very rare
He does not like a crowd
Nor can tolerate noises that are loud
What is wrong with this boy?
And did you ever think..
Maybe this boy flaps because of joy
His squeal is one of delight
We all would be frustrated by a light that is too bright
He may not use speech
But that does not mean he is beyond reach
He communicates in his own way
He may be apart but still likes to play
Maybe you can enter his space
And with kindness understand the struggles he may face
He may not always like being with a peer
But that is nothing to fear
We can simply guide him at his own pace
His development is not a race
Because his feelings he cannot always share
Does not mean that we should not care
His language we must begin to know
This will truly be the means in which he will grow.
What is wrong with this boy many ask without exception
Rather what is wrong with our perception?
Dr. Dan L. Edmunds is a self advocate. He completed undergraduate studies at the University of Florida with major in Comparative Religion and minor in Sociology. He received a Master of Arts in Theology from the University of Scranton and earned a Doctorate of Education in Community Counseling from Argosy University. He has served 22 years as a Behavioral Health Counselor.
