10-yr-old boy with autism writes moving poem for homework that touches the hearts of thousands


There is no doubt that poetry has the ability to move us. This story is sure to make you either smile—or perhaps shed a tear.

What may come as a surprise to you is that it was written by a young boy with autism, and even the teacher was shocked. Naturally some poems are easier for some to write but this one certainly deserves a place on the list.

Benjamin Giroux, a 10-year-old boy from Plattsburgh, New York, has Asperger’s syndrome—a form of autism, was given a homework assignment and was asked to write a poem. The first two words in each sentence was provided and from there, the rest of the poem was up to him.

Benjamin used the assignment to describe what it feels like to live on the autism spectrum results were astounding.

The young boy had always felt different because he was autistic and at times he felt he stood out differently from the other children. His poem, “I Am,” shows his emotions in such a special way and when you read it, you will see he certainly is a special youngster. His parents were overcome with emotion when he showed them the poem.