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Short Story That Bay Asked What's It Like To Be You?

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“Morgan,” Bay asked, “what’s it like to be you?” The question was asked as the boys finished dinner, and I sat away from them, reading a book. I marked my place and quietly listened. “Well,” Morgan said, “it’s confusing. You know I’m an autism kid. Noises are big. Clothes have to be soft. Smells are hard.” He went back to eating, apparently satisfied with his answers. “But, Morgan, what’s it like? Why is it confusing to be you?” Morgan took a deep breath, pondered this question some and then said, haltingly, “People think I don’t listen, but I do. Teacher always says, ‘Pay attention, sweet boy!’ but I am paying attention. It’s hard. I pay attention to everything, all at the same time. I can’t pay attention to just one thing… I can’t always …show more content…

The hairs still feel like poking on my skin, and I’m scared my ears’ll be chopped off.” “Mama won’t cut your ears off–” “But I feel the scissors coming in! My brain tells me my ears are in danger and I need to yell!” “What would you make people understand?” “I need to chuff [when he makes train noises and moves his arms in a circular motion, bent at the elbow]). I’m a good boy and really useful. Don’t talk about me in front of me. Kids shouldn’t make fun, the grownups, either. It’s mean. People should understand people.” I started tearing up. Bay: “What’s easy for you? You’re good at lots.” “Making breakfast [he makes English muffins with cream cheese every morning for himself]. Thomas stories. Tying my shoes. Making train sets. Snuggling. Smiling. Laughing. Swimming. Remembering the way.” “What’s your school like?” “It’s big like a cave. It full of noise and echoes. I don’t like the gym. It’s confusing and fussy. Everyone is very busy all of the time and when you’re not busy, they give you more work. It’s all work, work, work. Mrs. C’s room is great. That’s where I go for sensory breaks. I have the bean bags, the stimmy toys, all of that. It’s quiet in there, I can tell train stories. Have you heard of the [slips into a Scottish accent] twins, Donald and

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