Devereux Pennsylvania parent writes poems about family’s journey with disabilities

Amy Sieberer, whose son, Jason, receives services through Devereux Pennsylvania, uses poetry as an outlet to express her thoughts and feelings about her family’s journey with disabilities. Pictured from left: Lilly, Amy, Jason and Eric Sieberer.

Amy Sieberer, whose 20-year-old son, Jason, is enrolled in a residential program at the Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Pennsylvania Children’s Services center, uses poetry as an outlet to express her thoughts and feelings about her family’s journey with disabilities, and as a way to let other parents and caregivers know they are not alone.

“Jason has intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), while my daughter, Lilly, who is transgender, has high-functioning autism,” Amy shared. “I use my poems to connect with people and educate them on the impact autism spectrum disorder and I/DD can have on families. Writing poetry has brought me a great deal of comfort – being able to focus on something else, like structure and rhyme, has helped me when challenging situations occur.”

Look below to read two of Amy’s heartfelt and insightful poems.

My World of Spectrums

My world consists of a number of Spectrums;
Colors and ribbons and puzzle pieces entwined.
I accept their uniqueness when they’re all tossed together.
I accept that they cannot and will not combine.

I am asked how I cope with all 3 separate Spectrums;
How I don’t feel the need to find someone to blame.
I am asked why I haven’t exchanged all my pieces,
To find that one puzzle where all is the same.

It seems you assume that my Spectrums have choices.
I say my rainbow’s beautiful as she arcs in the sky.
I’m in pain, however, watching her tears as she’s hurting.
But her rainbow shines forth in the sun, as she cries.

My young Spectrum’s made of 2 beautiful colors;
Green for his fractured mind, blue ASD for his soul.
When blended his colors resemble the ocean;
Where he can find peace and be momentarily whole.

I am asked how I still love all of my Spectrums;
Why haven’t I tried to change who they are.
It’s because I was chosen to cherish their colors,
And I am honored to help them soar to the stars.

I say to you all that we’re given a blessing;
The gift to be chosen to love special hearts.
I love all my Spectrums for the glory they show me.
And I will love them forever, as a puzzle apart.

An Ode to Autism Awareness

I can’t imagine who made the choice,
That Autism is a silent, puzzle of blue.
Autism can sing with harmonious voice;
And is made of all different colors and hues.
ASD people are one, unique crowd;
With wonders lie hidden beneath a great sea.
Sadly, the waters can be rough and quite loud,
The price to swim and sail here’s not free.

If you are willing and have patience to spare,
Set sail and dive in and find treasures galore.
Along the way, you’ll find others who’ll share,
Stories and wisdom of those they adore.

My ASD loved ones have learned how to laugh,
While traveling a road that few others can find.
They took a detour and discovered a path,
That leads to a fascinating new state of mind.

I’ve spent my life learning the language not said.
I’ve gloried in new ways to communicate love.
Though there are nights when I cry in my bed,
I know tomorrow will bring me strength from above.

Autism brings out the artist in me;
A writer who sees words and colors anew.
Autism gave me gifts to break free,
And I love my ASD family of hues.

Learn more about Devereux Pennsylvania. Learn more about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.

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