Deirdre wrote this poem when she was 8 years old. She wrote it for the 4th grade
talent show....she is now 13....
This was written before we knew Deirdre was diagnosed with Asperger's...

'My Autistic Sister'
Autism silences your beautiful voice
From telling me what you are feeling
What causes you to laugh
When I don't get the joke
To the tears you shed
When I don't know your pain
Or your favorite song
andWhen you hug me
when youFear the thunderstorms
Not knowing what torments you so often
Keeps me from comforting you.
Although autism silences your voice
I see love in your gleaming smile.
Even though I don't get your joke
I find myself laughing myself to tears
Just to see joy emblazoned on your face.
You are my sisterAnd that is what defines you
Not AUTISM.

Needless to say, there was not a dry eye in the house.