“Awareness is deciding something is worth your time and attention. It is not necessarily good. Real awareness needs to be balanced.” ~ Emma Zurcher-Long
I asked Emma whether she wanted to write something about autism awareness since April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day, designated by the UN in 1989. Emma wrote,
“Autism awareness really does me very little. It is not honoring or making my life easier. So many believe I am unintelligent even though I write well. Until they see me writing, it is not what they assume. What good is awareness if it doesn’t tell people the truth?”
Ariane: “What is the truth?”
“The truth is, so much of what we perceive compared to another, isn’t known. People see me, but don’t understand what they are seeing. I want people to know what it is like to have smart thoughts, but not be able to prove it.
“No one wants to be treated with impatience. I am happy when people are aware of how bright I am. Maybe they have a special light bulb for that. Shine some awareness on those of us who can’t talk the way we think.”
Texas ~ September, 2013
Emma's Hope Book 
Emma’s developing is seeing her be a tributary to a great stream of collective awareness.
Amen Emma! 🙂 ❤
Beautifully said……Emma, I think maybe you are the special lightbulb for awareness.
I agree with everything you said! Shine on Emma! You bring people real awareness.
“I am happy when people are aware of how bright I am. Maybe they have a special light bulb for that. Shine some awareness on those of us who can’t talk the way we think.”
How much do I love this quote? Emma keeps shining the light of awareness for anyone who’s patient enough and willing enough and open enough to see, hear and read the truth about her–and other autistic people like her.
I absolutely love that quote also! I so very much wish that EVERYONE were patient, willing, and open to learning the truth about Emma and everyone like her! They would find a very special and intelligent group of people with so much to offer this world!
Lovely Emma!
Awareness is not enough; we need acceptance. So well written, Emma.
Emma I wish the rest of the world were half as bright as you are. You are amazing. And you are making that light of awareness brighter every day.
Emma, your light is educating people about autism and shattering antiquated myths about speech and intelligence! ❤
Emma, I think you are so so intelligent. 😀
Emma: Keep shinning your beautiful light! Your wisdom and insights help shed a light on my daughter who has autism and is struggling to find her voice. Think of the individuals you touch in this world. It’s the individuals who matter most! Take care Tracy
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I wish they would get a special lightbulb! Hehehe! Thanks for another yay-super-yes-giggle, Emma! Love, Ibby from Ibbia
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Awareness is seeing what is truly there, verifying that it is indeed there (appearances can often be deceiving) and then understanding what one has observed in its proper context. Awareness results, ultimately, in appropriate action.
I would say, based upon the evidence put forth by your writing,Emma, that anyone who says you are NOT ***VERY*** intelligent is either living in a fantasy world or has some very dark ulterior motives. My opinion?
I think you should be regarded as ‘Gifted’. A great many supposedly-educated adults have trouble expressing themselves in such clear fashion as you do.
Dennis
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