Autism Sibling Wins Northern Virginia Reflections 2009 Literature Award
Managing Editor's Note: An Age of Autism reader named Allison T. sent us this lovely poem by her daughter. Congratulations, Carolyn, on winning the Northern Virginia Award of Excellence for Literature. You're a wonderful little sister to Jackson.
Artist's Statement:
My brother Jackson inspired me to write a poem. He has autism and I think that makes him beautiful because he is different from other 10 year old boys. And being different is beautiful. I always feel safe with him around because he is not a bully. He does not pick on me like most older brothers or boys do. He is kind to me. He makes me happy and plays with me. I trust him to always love and care for me. He has a good heart.
A brother named Jackson
Understands the way things work
Tells his feelings
Is always respectful
Special to me
Makes great movies on his video camera
Is not a bully
So kind
Before I was born he did not have autism
Every time I show up, he is happy
Always nice to little kids
Usually he doesn’t need help with work
Tells the truth
Is in control of himself
Follows directions
Unbelievable kid
Listens to music once and he can copy it by heart
Caroline T.
2nd Grade
Sleepy Hollow Elementary
Just beautiful!! What a well deserved award! Congratulations and BRAVO!!
Posted by: Lin | February 28, 2010 at 11:16 PM
Allison's description of her brother Jackson gives me lots of hope for my grandson's future. He screams alot less now, alot less throwing things, less turning over tables, angry outbursts way reduced, but we can always tell when he has a detox overload because these behaviors re-emerge. Thankfully we can get him chilled out pretty fast by supporting his detox crisis with glutathione cream and/or magnesium oil on his skin. Another thing we've discovered that helps alot lately is L-Tryptophan cream (Swanson vitamins has this for ten bucks). We also use the essential oils "Gentle Baby" and "Tranquil" to get him back into a calmer mode. And based on his recovery progress thus far, some day he will become a little angel like Jackson :) (That's called "Positive Affirmation") HA!!
[Note: Magnesium oil works best on the soles of the feet with younger children who have sensitive skin that may become itchy or burning if applied elsewhere. The magnesium bath flakes haven't had any skin irritating effects though]
Posted by: Autism Grandma | February 21, 2010 at 12:51 AM
What a lovely poem full of wise and poignant observances. Great kids whose parents must be very proud.
Posted by: nhokkanen | February 20, 2010 at 10:02 PM
Truly wonderful!
Posted by: Cathy Jameson | February 20, 2010 at 08:35 PM
Wonderful and inspiring! What a great sister to an awesome brother.
Your parents must be so proud!
Posted by: Teresa Conrick | February 20, 2010 at 11:40 AM
Just Beautiful.
That made my day. Thanks for sharing that.
Posted by: Andrea | February 20, 2010 at 11:11 AM
Beautiful poem and beautiful sister (great brother too!).
Bravo and congratulations.
Posted by: Parent | February 20, 2010 at 09:26 AM