Thank you for your article on autism in Lifestyles, as well as the poem you printed recently. The puzzle pieces in the word “autism” in Lifestyles represent the pieces and missing pieces researchers and educators need to solve the puzzle of what causes autism. The solution is not just about finding one piece and solving the puzzle. Each child is different, making it more difficult to put the pieces together.

This poem, I found some time ago, is not just for parents of autistic children. I feel it can be for anyone with a child who needs extra love and understanding,

If you choose to print this, I thank you.

Heaven’s very special child

A meeting was held quite far from Earth.

It was time again for another birth.

Said the Angels to the Lord above—

“This special child will need much love.

“His progress may be very slow

“Accomplishment he may not show.

“And he’ll require extra care

“From the folks he meets down there.

“His thoughts may seem quite far away

“So many times he will be labeled

“different, helpless and disabled.

“So, let’s be careful where he’s sent.

“We want his life to be content.

“Please, Lord, find the parents who

“Will do a special job for you.

“They will not realize right away

“But with this child sent from above

“Comes stronger faith, and richer love.

“And soon they’ll know the privilege given

“In caring for their gift from heaven.

“Their precious charge, so meek and mild

“Is heaven’s very special child.”

Shirley Olsen

Albert Lea