“A Letter To The World”
“I want to tell you that I am capable. Daring massively, eager to prove my intelligence, I will work tirelessly so that Autistic children younger than me won’t be doubted the way I am.
“Plea-ing to the world, I ask that those who are not able to restrain their doubts, at least not mute voices like mine.
“Deciding stupidity bolsters egos while crushing lives with angry words disguised as kindness.
“They say hope is cruel for the hopeless, but maybe they are the cruel ones.”
Emma wrote this in response to my question, “What do you want to learn about?” (I gave her a number of choices ranging from people like Joan of Arc and Eleanor Roosevelt to geography, history, literature, creative writing or current affairs) “…or would you like to talk about something else?” Emma wrote, “I want to talk about autism.” When I asked her what, specifically, she wanted to discuss, she wrote the above letter.
*For all who would like to share Emma’s words with your friends and followers – we ask that you quote a sentence or two with a link back to this blog, and not all her words. Thank you so much for your support, encouragement and enthusiasm.
Emma ~ 2014
Emma's Hope Book 
“Daring massively, eager to prove my intelligence, I will work tirelessly so that Autistic children younger than me won’t be doubted the way I am.”
Even though I am just a freshman, I have already decided what my senior project will be: what are the capabilities of an Autistic child when given the support they need? Apparently, Emma and I think along the same lines. Two great minds, thinking alike. The only difference is that both are Autistic. And I don’t see how that is much of a difference at all.
Wow, thank you Emma.
Changing the world one person at a time. Thank you Emma. And thank you Ariane for giving Emma’s voice to the world.
Lovely. I think that her goal to change things so that autistic children younger than she is won’t be doubted like she was is a very admirable goal.
Emma, you are a beautiful, caring person. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I read emma’s letters to my little girl lili who is autistic also, and pictures of beautiful Emma, it helps her alot as at age 9 now lili has so many questions to ask about her autism. She also feels very frustrated at people’s lack of understanding of her. Thank you emma..x
Emma,
You are a truly gifted writer. Thank you for choosing Autism as your topic for this session and thank you for alliwing us to share your words. You have opened so many eyes, and hearts with this writing.
((((Ariane)))) Sigh. There are no words to describe my joy for you and Emma and Richard at this moment. 😀
Did she write this with stencil board or keyboard?
Allowing (No idea how that spelling came about?!)
Thank you Emma for working to make things easier for my E…it was this blog and your mom that I stumbled on when my son was just 2-3 that changed my view of autism and introduced me to adult autistics. Now, I love when you write…because as ive said before, you’re closer to his age than the adults, and are growing up in a similar time frame and setting.
Dear Emma.
Back in 2012, I read an Ode from your mother to you. It touched my heart in ways I can’t begin to express. It was an introduction to you and your family. I read parts of that entry to my own daughter, Lily, who was four at the time.
We had begun a journey, you see, to letting our girl know she is loved and accepted and capable and wonderful. And not alone. Your image was the first she saw of another child she related to. I remember that day I showed your photo and read the blog to her, and Lily’s face lit up to see you and learn a little about you. You and your mom let us know we were not alone in wanting more, in believing in abilities, in disregarding the judgments of society.
A post a few months later about teaching and learning reassured me we weren’t wrong to toss out the professionals’ advise. We taught, we learned, we found ways to communicate. Today Lily is doing kindergarten work, feeling successful at her academics. She is learning to communicate using an iPad and we are starting on RPM at home. And you and your family have been a support for us.
And we continue to read and now to appreciate to your wise words. Your advise about coping without our own emotions and being patient with our child and believing she will grow, sits prominently on the refrigerator as a daily reminder. Thank you, Emma, for caring, for sharing, and for advocating for those younger than you.
Emma, I read parts of your message to Lily (who is now six), and asked her if there was anything she wanted to let you know. She laughed and using her iPad she said twice: “Thank you, thank you.”
Please know, dear Emma, that you are appreciated.
Sincerely,
Desi
The tears fill my eyes with complete joy and awe over this dear sweet beautiful child. I have been eagerly waiting for this direct letter to the public from her and I wait excitedly for many more. You are amazing Emma. My two non speaking Autistic children thank you for paving the way for them.
I love your ‘Letter to the World’ Emma ♥
Thank you for sharing your words…
Thank you, Emma. You’re making it easier for people older than you are, too.
Beautiful
“Deciding stupidity bolsters egos while crushing lives with angry words disguised as kindness.” Exactly. When I first started speaking in sentences instead of two word responses, I began to show up at meetings for autistic parents. I remember many of them doubting I had ever been autistic because I could speak with some meaning…and others wanting to pick my brain. I wanted to go to school so that I could say I had a degree in “offering more to those autistic than bandaids or programs meant to help that were so far off point they could never benefit anyone”–couldn’t find that degree, and still can’t. It is up to us to just keep showing up–life is not supposed to be about great accomplishments (seen through the eyes of others), but about WHO WE ARE. You are beautiful Emma.
Yes, Bev!
I’ve been following this blog for a while but this is the first time i’ve commented because coming up with words is hard.Emma, I continue to be amazed at your wise thoughts and the incredibly beautiful words you find to express them in. You are such a sweet girl and I know whatever you do with your life you’re gonna be great. I am also autistic and i’m having a particularly hard time in my life right now but it is little things like this that help me keep my spirits up. It is comforting to now there are other people in the world who are like me. Makes me feel less alone.
It was not “nerve” with which her husband spoke, but love. He was thanking her for her part, not diminishing Emma’s. He is so very thankful that his wife persevered on her own journey and was there when Emma needed her. Love conquers all.
( That was for Mr. Knight to read. )
Really appreciate the support. “Mr. Knight” aka “Doug Knight” is an alias. This is not the first time they’ve come after me. They have been blocked.
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Thanks to each and every one of you for your kind words of encouragement and support. Emma’s “Letter to the World” was reprinted and published in the April issue of Special Needs Parenting Magazine!