Starting Third Grade is a poem illustrating my experience as an autistic youngster in the 1950’s as I started the school year. The unconventional spacing represents the space of time for my brain processing to “catch up” so the next word can plop out of my mouth. This manner of speech isn’t a behavior I decide to engage in, but instead, nothing more than the way my brain does business – similar to the way your brain does business by not inserting spaces of processing time between your words mid sentence. Both the poem and the illustration are excerpted from pages 38-39 of my first book Making Lemonade: Hints for Autism’s Helpers.
Too much new
for back to school
is why I just don’t like it,
though
each new thing
all by itself
is entirely
acceptable.
New shiny shoes
I do so love
new ribbons in my hair
a freshly pressed
brand new pink dress
Oh …
ain’t I
debonair!
My satchel packed
with all new things
with all the stuff I need
sits on the floor
next to the door
just waiting
for me
to leave!
New class lists
posted on the doors;
the students find their names.
They take their seats
and wait to see
what will
this brand new teacher
say!
“Unpack supplies.
Get settled in.
My name is on the board.”
on and on
her voice keeps speaking
way much
too many
words.
Her voice plows on
it will not quit.
Words heap up in a pile,
while yellow chalk
adds to the talk.
School
just ain’t
my style.
Time for recess.
Go outside.
New playground has no shade.
Kids race about;
They run and shout.
At recess
I might
die.
I stand real still
and close my eyes.
The teacher comes by me.
She does smell nice,
but I’ve made up my mind …
I right now
quit
third grade.
BOOKS BY JUDY ENDOW
Endow, J. (2019). Autistically Thriving: Reading Comprehension, Conversational Engagement, and Living a Self-Determined Life Based on Autistic Neurology. Lancaster, PA: Judy Endow.
Endow, J. (2012). Learning the Hidden Curriculum: The Odyssey of One Autistic Adult. Shawnee Mission, KS: AAPC Publishing.
Endow, J. (2006). Making Lemonade: Hints for Autism’s Helpers. Cambridge, WI: CBR Press.
Endow, J. (2013). Painted Words: Aspects of Autism Translated. Cambridge, WI: CBR Press.
Endow, J. (2009). Paper Words: Discovering and Living With My Autism. Shawnee Mission, KS: AAPC Publishing.
Endow, J. (2009). Outsmarting Explosive Behavior: A Visual System of Support and Intervention for Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders. Shawnee Mission, KS: AAPC Publishing.
Endow, J. (2010). Practical Solutions for Stabilizing Students With Classic Autism to Be Ready to Learn: Getting to Go. Shawnee Mission, KS: AAPC Publishing.
Myles, B. S., Endow, J., & Mayfield, M. (2013). The Hidden Curriculum of Getting and Keeping a Job: Navigating the Social Landscape of Employment. Shawnee Mission, KS: AAPC Publishing.