Jobs and News News Celebrating Creativity: Anna's Inspiring Poem about Autism Anna's Creative Journey Anna, one of the dedicated trainers delivering The Oliver McGowan Training on Learning Disabilities and Autism, has shared a powerful and heartfelt poem that sheds light on her personal experience with autism. Her words eloquently convey emotions, challenges, and her journey to embracing her identity as both Anna and a proud autistic person. Anna’s Poem Through her poem, Anna takes us on an emotional journey, exploring themes of acceptance, societal interaction, and self-discovery. Her literary creation allows readers not only to reflect on her experiences but to empathise with the challenges faced by individuals navigating a world that can often be overwhelming. My face is hidden behind a mask,My body standing behind the glass,I'm wanting to join in, Your jokes, I laughYour world...let me in, let me pass... the test. Awkward staring.Can I read you?Perhaps it's what your parents feed you? they sayPerhaps it's just your personality?At home is where I'm finally set free. Tell me the rules to play the game,To reach popularity,To stand with fame.But I want everything to be the sameAutism...is that my name? Noisy society of human beings,Practising conversations,My head's still screaming,Counting to 10,Can this chat now end?How much of my energy will I spend? Find me the guidebook for "The recently Autistic"My parents are told sorry, but there's nothing to fix it.The professionals' stereotype,They map out my life,They don't see the hidden difficultiesThe breakdowns and the strife. But should I need to put my label on a banner....Share it on Facebook and all kinds of that manner.Maybe it's actually okay to be me,I'm Anna, and I'm also Autistic, in case you don't see! Anna Levermore This was written in response to the OMMT training I do, and that some delegates are surprised to learn I'm Autistic. It's great to spread awareness of women on the spectrum. The Oliver McGowan Training Programme The Oliver McGowan Training programme on Learning Disabilities and Autism has been developed as a standardised training initiative for professionals. It emphasises understanding, empathy, and provides essential knowledge, aiming to improve care and inclusion for autistic individuals and people with learning disabilities. Anna’s poem forms a heartfelt expression of the importance of these efforts. Send Us Your Creative Work! Anna’s words inspire us to think creatively and to share our personal stories as a way of promoting understanding and inclusion. If you're inspired by Anna’s journey and have your own pieces of artwork, poetry, or stories to share, we’d love to hear from you! Join us to celebrate talent and voices that empower and educate the world about autism and learning disabilities. Share Your Story Today. Email [email protected] Embrace your creativity and let your voice be heard! be seen, be heard, belong. Expert by Experience Anna co-delivers Oliver's training for bemix, which inspires her and the candidates in so many ways. The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism™ For NHS and Adult Social Care staff. Find out more about The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism™ Book the training here Manage Cookie Preferences