Welcome to Mrs. Zanni's Online Classroom!Special Education, Autism, Grades 1-2
One day an old man was walking down the beach just before dawn. In the distance he saw a young man picking up stranded starfish and throwing them back into the sea. As the old man approached the young man, he asked, "Why do you spend so much energy doing what seems to be a waste of time?" The young man explained that the stranded starfish would die if left in the morning sun. The old man exclaimed, "But there must be thousands of starfish. How can your efforts make any difference?" The young man looked down at the starfish in his hand and as he threw it to safety in the sea, he said," It makes a difference to this one!"Autism PoemThey call me special, because I'm different from most,I know not what it's like to envy, hurt, or boast.Material things mean very little to me,I simply find joy in what many others don't see.Some think I'm strange and others call me odd,But those who really know me, call me closest to God.Not a mean bone in my body, not a bad word to say,My simple existence is to eat, sleep, and play.And while these things I like, there are others that I love,To spend time with you is a gift from above.Hold my hands and sing as I jump on the bed,I promise I listened to every word that you said.My eyes may be elsewhere when you're talking to me,I'm not being rude, there's just so much to see.Change may upset me as I like my routines,I may act a little crazy, making noises, creating scenes.But if you kindly give me the time and space I need,There's no telling where our friendship can lead.A chance to get to know you is all that I ask.My love is like warm sunshine in which you can bask.You see I"m really not different. I'm not at all odd,I simply find joy in wondrous gifts from God.Imagine for once what a wonderful world it would be,to forget about life's worries and be happy like me.So don't call me special, I'd much rather lucky or blessed,because of any life being lived, I think mine is the best.