"I am an adult with High Functioning autism who loves to create poetry as an outlet to my inner expressions. Poetry is a lost art form and in America it is uncommon to find one who can or attempts to create poetry, but some of the best poets in our history left profound insight to the world in which they lived. The poetry of our past leaves us with unique fashions in which language is used; it leaves strong visual pictures of the way life was in this era, as well as the thinking and insight into human moral and character. Poetry is the melody of life expressed in dancing words.

Being a person with autism, who struggles in demonstrating with outward expression, that emotions dwell strong within me, as well as to share the misconceptions of autism, such as I supposedly lack emotional affect, is disputed through my use of written domains. My poetry has reached hundreds of people who share that my way of expressing self is deeply profound and leaves a strong visual of what life might be like for their loved one with autism. For this I feel blessed in life that even though I am challenged with a very pervasive disorder I can still bring to life an essence of my being that is supportive and helpful to the many thousands of people who have a loved one with autism."

I have to say; being autistic is like being on a roller coaster ride that does not stop, with many sudden jerks to the left, to the right, and then dropping you rapidly in a major nosedive to the bottom. Before you have time to process where you are in space, it rapidly jerks you back up another hill to repeat its process. Occasionally, the roller coaster stops for repairs and you feel like life is bearable for a moment, until suddenly you are forced by life onto a new roller coaster with unforeseen jerks to the left, and to the right, with that dreaded unexpected nosedive to the bottom. Life never appears to become smooth, calm, or predictable for long. These feelings clearly describe my sensory world, as well as, the way in which I process life. With limited ability to interpret things before being exposed to a new input, I tend to become easily overwhelmed. So because of this, life often becomes scary and fragmented.

Autism is also like being deserted in a foreign country that is not an ally with your native land. Not understanding the culture, language, or surroundings. Yet, we feel we are being forced to adapt to this strange land to survive. Many feel Isolated, frustrated, alone, and afraid, all feelings that consume us because, no one appears to really understand our attempts to communicate, and more often than not, our attempts are so misunderstood. Confused by our odd presentation, others tend to act out aggressively, loudly protesting our existence, simply for the differences they see, and fearfully don’t understand. Forcing us to act like them, and even when we do, we simply lack in the cultural meanings of the actions, and again we are misunderstood and rejected." -Copyright Sondra Williams

Presentations by Sondra Williams

Sondra Williams is an incredibly gifted woman from Columbus, Ohio. Sondra's insights can be found in her DVD, Define Me, and her book, Reflections of Self, both published by The Gray Center and available in our Bookstore on this site. Sondra is also available to give presentations and to do consulting. (See below for more information on her presentations). Contact Denise Caruso (in Ohio) at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

DEFINE ME

Length of Presentation: 2 hours

“Defining” any human being is a nearly impossible task. Each person’s distinctive interests, abilities, fears, frustrations, relationships, and dreams combine to create a complex, unique individual. This presentation focuses on Sondra as a person first; her autism is only a part of her, but not her entire being. As a wife and mother of 4 children on the autism spectrum, Sondra is able to share insights about various stages in her life through much emotion and humor! (One variation of this presentation is available in DVD format here: http://thegraycenter.org/bookstore?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=71&category_id=8&keyword=define+me)

BAIT THE HOOK

Join Sondra as she discusses how individuals can better understand children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Sondra shares ideas for how to support these children more effectively within an educational setting. She will examine the reasons for specific behaviors in a classroom while still maintaining the unique individuality of each child. Sondra's experiences in the classroom and with her own children and her own diagnosis make this presentation valuable for those working with children with ASD.

Comments from those who have heard Sondra speak:

• Sondra was so interesting to listen to. I could have asked her questions all night.  I am so intrigued by the many facets of autism and embrace the challenges I face in my classroom.  I want so much to understand, and Sondra was helpful in letting us "see" from the inside out.
• Sondra conveyed an experience and sincerity that not only informed, but moved the staff members. I will be in contact with the Gray Center to purchase some of Sondra's materials to distribute to all nine school buildings in our district. From what I have heard from the audience, this material is much needed and will be most welcome.