BORN TO BE DIFFERENT, BORN TO BE STRANGE, BORN TO UPSET, DISTURB, REARRANGE, NOBODY’S ENEMY, NOBODY’S FRIEND, NEVER TO COMPROMISE, NEVER TO BEND.INTRODUCTION This booklet was produced to bring about a greater awareness of the complexity of Autism and in the process an understanding of the difficulties that children and adults with autism have in making sense of the everyday things that we take for granted. Characteristics of Autism Avoids eye contact. Disinterest in people or play. Unusual fears e.g. certain colours. Inappropriate use of toys. Fl 2 i 4 5 Resists learning. 6 Obsessive spinning of objects. 7 Laughs or giggles for no apparent reason. 8S Unaware of danger. 9 Ability to ignore loud sounds or noise. 10 Obsessive attachment to pieces of string. 11 Rejects physical contact. 12 Resists change.NIGHTRUNNER A creaking sound upon the floor a chair still rocking by the door an open window, switched on light a doorway open to the night a disappearing clicking sound a rag doll tossed upon the ground fleeting glimpses in the dark across the street into the park anxious feelings, rushing past brushing leaves and bending grass laughter carried on the breeze through the bushes and the trees the sound of laughter from the beech atustle just beyond your reach the pat of footsteps still in flight that seem to melt into the night the chase gives way to breathless ease there standing in the swirling breeze a figure, lonely, staring, still, in silhouette, in silent chill, I slowly walk across the sand in silence, softly take her hand