Autism

This is all true. It’s an account of an ‘interview’ experienced recently by a friend of mine. First published online by I am not a silent poet.

 

Autism

or: how the psychologist ‘interviewed’ the mother of an autistic teenager,

who after years of trying finally got an appointment with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (or CAMSH – Can’t Actually Manage to be Supportive of Humans)

You may as well talk to one of these.

“Did he have problems when he was younger?

…

Ah, I see,

he had a few issues at nursery –

well, that’s just children for you isn’t it?

…

When did he attend referrals?

…

Oh come on, do think now,

can’t you be more specific?

…

Well, how often and where?

…

Ah. You must know these things,

let’s get it all down straight shall we?

I do need to know all the facts.

…

You seem very muddled about this,

do you have problems with your memory?

…

haha, it may have been ten years ago Mrs M,

but most people would certainly remember those details.

It’ll be your age, of course.

…

Oh no, your memory isn’t good compared to others.

I expect it’s your hormones,

you’ll be going through the change by now.

…

Well, that’ll be all for today,

time’s up.

Take this medicine for him

and come back next week, same time.

Will you remember that?”

*First published here: https://iamnotasilentpoet.wordpress.com ,

an online magazine for poetry and artwork protesting against abuse in any of its forms.