Hello! My name’s Gregor, I’m tall and I’m strong
But I get scared and worried if something goes wrong
I don’t understand why things have to change
So I shout, hit my head, and might look a bit strange
Autism means different, it doesn’t mean bad
It doesn’t mean stupid, it doesn’t mean mad
It’s not me being naughty or spoilt or rude
Badly behaved or in a bad mood
Because I don’t feel things the same way that you do
It makes me a little bit different to you
So what if I hum
Or I rock
Or I sway
Don’t be afraid!
Being different’s okay!
Hi! I’m Ramal, I move around in a chair
If I want to go places my wheels take me there
My muscles are poorly and there’s a bend in my spine
But it’s my legs that don’t work; my brain is just fine!
I’m brilliant at painting, everyone loves my art
I’m funny and clever, happy and smart
But when I’m out with my friends and in my wheelchair
Grown-Ups talk about me as if I’m not there
Because I can’t move the same way that you do
It makes me a little bit different to you
I can’t run like you
But my wheels let me play
Come on! Let’s have a race!
Being different’s okay!
Hi Guys, I’m Lily and I love to write songs
About beautiful rainbows, and where they come from
I like to be kind, generous and caring
Life is better with friends, family and sharing
Downs Syndrome can’t stop me being sassy and bright
I work hard at my spelling to get it just right
So it means I might take a bit longer at school
To learn things in class, so please don’t be uncool
Because I don’t read or write as fast as you do
It makes me a little bit different to you
I’m not being slow
I have smart things to say
It just takes me some time
Being different’s okay!
I’m Fleur, and I’m saying hello with my hands
Because when I talk, you might not understand
My ears need some help when they listen to sounds
So I’ll read your lips when I’m in the playground
When I grow up I’m going to teach
Other deaf kids Sign Language speech
Fingers on chin, move them out and down too
And look! I’ve just taught you to say ‘Thank You’!
Because I can’t hear the same way that you do
It makes me a little bit different to you
I don’t speak like you
But I have lots to say
Look how fast my hands talk!
Being different’s okay!
My name is Jules and my brother’s called Joe
He’s small and he follows me wherever I go
Mum says ‘Don’t worry, he just wants to join in’
But it’s embarrassing having to look after him
I’m not differently abled, my body works well
I can talk about feelings and I’m never unwell
I have Mum and Dad – AND an annoying little brother
I’m exactly the same as millions of others
Because I look, act and feel the same way that you do
It makes me not so very different to you
I’m still one of a kind
In my own special way
So remember this too;
NOT being different’s okay!
Please listen to us
And hear what we say
Different or not
Who made the rules anyway?
I’m me! No one else!
Just love me this way!
So whoever you are
Being different’s okay!
By Juli Frances Taylor