This diagnosis
describing a part of me
a bit of my fundamental self
not a thing separate from who I am

I am a Zebra and I am a Wife.
I am autistic and I am a sister.
All these: pieces of me.

Do not caution me against this.
Don’t tell me I cannot hug myself.

I carry these flags,
and I summon up my tribe.
These are my people:
here is the Dazzle and the Spoonies.

We are not broken.
We are not less than.
We may be different,
but where’s the crime?

Let’s celebrate all the colors
and light up this dreary world.
Let’s celebrate all humanity
and share in all the wonder.

I am different.
And so are you.

Do not reduce me
so you can better understand
Do not stuff me down
so you can better tolerate

Accept all that I am

All the strengths
and all the weaknesses.

Recognize all I offer.

Not only my failings
but all my achievements.

Give me permission
and let me be human.