When our brains process and organize sensory information accurately, we are able to respond productively and appropriately to situations and environmental demands throughout our day. Much of the time we carry out our daily routines and activities with minimal awareness or acknowledgement of the monumental contribution our senses make. When sensory information is not processed or organized accurately, we see disorganized behaviors that are often ineffective and interfere with a personÕs ability to participate in daily activities. These challenges are often experienced by children on the autism spectrum.

As you read the words to this poem by Martha Kate Downey, you can appreciate her perceptions of the sensations she wants us to understand from an ÒAspieÓ world. MarthaÕs daughter, Kate, has Asperger Syndrome. You can find more of her poems and enlightening perspectives on an interactive book on CD, Tap Dancing in the Night or on her website, ( www.mkdowney.com ).

Fragile! Handle (me) with care!
By Martha Kate Downey

I can hear the falling dew drops
as they land upon the grass
I can hear the turtles’ footsteps
go around me as they pass.

I can see the shades of every hue
and cringe, when as they sometimes do
not blend or compliment, so what
I see is palette true.

I can feel the glaring brightness
of the lights that burn at night
and can only tightly shut my eyes
against their hurtful sight.

If only we could clothe ourselves
with layers thick, not thin,
that would only let the right amount
of worldly senses in

For even when you try to hug
me gently and with care,
your touch is often so much more
of comfort I can bear.

The lights, the smells, the touch, the taste
assault me everyday.
I wish that just for one short time
my sense would go away!