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Letter between a young girl, born with autism, and her mother has gone viral.

Cadence wrote the letter to her mother from beneath her teacher’s desk when feeling overwhelmed.

“This ‘conversation’, between Cadence and myself, started under her teachers desk – a ‘safe place’ where Cadence had put herself in her confusion that she was somehow ‘bad’ – a belief that had culminated from over-hearing other parents and hearing news stories.”

autism

The image shared to Facebook  page  “I am Cadence” with a caption:

What ‘messages’ are children hearing – from ourselves, from other parents, at school, from media and in the general community? And what are the ‘take home’ learnings, spoken or unspoken, they are internalizing from these messages?
Cadence’s sensory differences means she hears, sees and observes every detail around her – every conversation, every sight, every smell; as many autistic children do. This ‘conversation’, between Cadence and myself, started under her teachers desk – a ‘safe place’ where Cadence had put herself in her confusion that she was somehow ‘bad’ – a belief that had culminated from over-hearing other parents and hearing news stories.

Share your thoughts below.

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  • My 9 year old has Autism and this has opened my eyes just that little bit more into what is going on in my little girls world. Thanks so much for sharing.

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  • Most children with autism benefit from early internvention with various therapies. In USA if it is obvious that speech therapy is needed they start with short sessions at 2 years of age ( I know of a case in New York). Children with Autism have some amazing talent which many people don’t recognise and encourage. Consistent parenting and routine is essential to eliminate high levels of confusion. Short phrases, the same ones used for individual situations are essential. That applies to all toddlers, not just those with Autism. Some tend to have more infections than others. e.g. One I know of was having a lot of ear infections.(very red, imflamed and hot to touch). He always got very upset and difficult to “control” during such illnesses. They eliminated Dairy Foods from his diet and he immediately had less ear infections. He is an affectionate child who now understands how to make himself understood. He can’t say full sentences, but uses phrases.
    He also had therapy to improve coordination, physiotherapy etc. He is very alert and sensitive to cruel comments because people pass nasty comments about him. Despite being on a healthy diet of mainly fruit and vegetables he is of solid build.

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  • Well darling if Autism makes you bad having brown eyes must make me bad it’s how I was born too. I have 1 daughter & 2 grandchildren with brown eyes as well. I guarantee you that none of them are bad brown eyes or not so that means that neither are you. You are different & sometimes people find different hard to understand. Remember that most of the amazing people in the world were also born different like Beethoven a wonderful composer, Rembrant & Cezanne amazing artists & perhaps the most wonderful of all a man who was born with everything stacked against him from birth but won through to win a Pulitzer prize. His name is Stephen Hawking. (Have your mum show you his photo & read you a little of his story). You might decide that being different isn’t such a bad thing after all. I know some people can be cruel but many more are not cruel they just don’t understand. Perhaps your teacher needs to explain about difference & definitely include the man I just mentioned. It is hard but do your best & accept that your differences were given to you for a reason even if you don’t know why yet. You may use them to make a difference in others lives. Good Life & dont forget Mums homework.

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  • Puts an interesting perspective on this topic.

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  • There is still huge misunderstanding about autism. We need to re-educate people about this subject more in public. We are getting better in understanding mental health issues, and autism should be the next movement.

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  • This is a tragedy also. That this little girl should feel bad, is just so sad. Thank God she has a wonderful teacher to support her. I’m just so sad that she lives in a world where people make these judgements and statements, and that children can hear them. People with autism are wonderful people with special abilities. If only people took the time to care, they would see what fantastic individuals they are and the great qualities each person with autism has. They’re true gems.

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  • No sweetie you are not bad.

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  • What a dear little girl and such a heartfelt and tugging letter. Yes these people are different and need more sensitivity and care when interacting with them. What a great relationship we see that this girl has with her mother. How beautiful.

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  • It really makes me to think of autism in the other way.

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  • Very sad that society is failing children & adults with autism or other disabilties so badly !! I feel ashamed ! I feel for this girl but I’m glad she can express herself to her so understanding mum. Sometimes I think that God places the special children by the right and understanding parents…

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  • Poor child. That letter makes me sad that she felt that way

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  • How wonderful you are as a mum. It is lovely that your daughter reached out to you and you are caring enough to put this letter here for others to see.
    Autism is a hard thing to cope with – some autistic people are worse than your daughter – but the news media doesn’t help in these cases.
    Do hope that your replies have helped your daughter and you are both in a better place now.

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  • I feel a sadness when i see stories like this one. No child or person for that matter should have to feel inferior or ‘bad’ in comparison to others. We humans are all unique. Therefore we all have different needs. I really feel an autistic child is no different to any other, except that they need alternative ways of learning, or communicating to others. They still need the same love and nuturing as any other child. Adults, media etc should be celebrating the differences and respecting feelings instead of making innocent children feel this way!


    • What a truly wonderful comment : WELL SAID. and I agree.

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  • Beautiful letter between mummy and daughter. Sad though too. Mummy you are just the right mummy for you daughter. We are awaiting our austism assessment. I always try to refer to my daughters issues as perks. This has just re enforced me and to remind other to be conscious of what we say. Thank you for sharing

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  • That’s so nice to hear what she says and yet so heartbreaking coz she thinks she’s bad just because she has autism. So not true? My daughter is autistic and she’s not bad if just means we need to understand her more.

    Reply

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