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Erin Clemens: A poem to her parents on World Autism Awareness Day

 

In honor of World Autism Awareness Day, Erin Clemens - who receives services through Devereux - wrote a poem to her parents.

In honor of World Autism Awareness Day, Erin Clemens, who receives services through Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Pennsylvania, was inspired to write a poem to her parents. Read Clemens’ insightful poem below.

 

You had some expectations of what I would be like,
But things did not turn out quite as you planned.
With challenges ahead and no answers in your sight,
You worried who would help you hold my hand. 

Yet we faced our struggles, found support along the way,
And I’m making such great strides, I know you see.
I have not been perfect, but you said that it’s okay.
Which shows just how much love you have for me. 

I know you’ve stayed awake all hours of the night,
Wondering how we will make it through.
But I am here to tell you that it will be alright.
I’m just a little different from you.

 

Clemens – who was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome when she was 15 – participates  in Devereux Pennsylvania’s Community Adult Autism Partnership Program (CAAPP). Clemens said the program, which provides individualized and innovative community-based support services for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other disabilities, has provided her with skills needed to increase her independence and improve her overall quality of life.

 

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