That Autistic Boy - By Shamita Behl

Written By: Shamita Behl

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In her touching poem "That Autistic Boy," Shamita Behl, writing under the name "Mom of that Autistic Boy," contributes a heartfelt piece to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her work, featured in the poetry category, offers a poignant exploration of the life and emotions of an autistic child. With sensitivity and insight, Behl draws readers into the world of a boy often overlooked, inviting them to see through his eyes and experience his reality.

About the Work

Shamita Behl's "That Autistic Boy" employs vivid imagery and a compassionate tone to delve into the inner world of an autistic child. The poem navigates themes of longing, isolation, and the yearning for connection. Through simple yet powerful language, Behl captures the struggles and triumphs of an autistic boy, inviting empathy and understanding. Her literary style is direct and evocative, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

That Autistic Boy

Original Submission by Shamita Behl

That Autistic Boy

Hey you… yes, you,

Yes, I am talking to you.

What? You don’t know me?

Well… maybe that’s true.

But you’ve seen me before-

in places you go,

many times, many faces…

just never enough to know.

I am that autistic boy

who has been in your class,

the one who stares at the wall

as the moments all pass…

Who drifts far away sometimes,

then returns at a call,

when the teacher says his name-

and he blinks through it all.

I am that autistic boy

who struggles to read,

who doesn’t get simple math

and fails tests indeed…

The one who longs to have friends,

more than you can see,

but doesn’t quite know

how to say, “Come sit with me.”

I am that autistic boy

on your basketball team,

the one who can’t catch

no matter how hard he may dream…

Who throws at the wall,

misses, passes again,

yet shows up each day

just to try… just to blend.

The one who feels shaken

by noise and by crowd,

but stands on that court

just to make his parents proud.

I am that autistic boy

who flaps when he’s glad,

who laughs a bit louder,

or gets suddenly sad…

Who may be a child

in a body grown tall,

with a face that looks older-

but feelings still small.

I am that autistic boy

who you notice the least,

who sometimes feels strange

in your world-like a beast…

The one you’ve named “weird,”

or “different,” or “dumb,”

without seeing the story

of where he is from.

I wish you could step

for a moment inside,

see the colors, the calm,

and the storms that I hide…

Because in my world,

things are gentle and kind-

just different from yours,

but not left behind.

In my world,

you are already my friend…

I laugh beside you,

I walk till the end.

I reach for your hand-

no fear, no disguise…

just hoping one day

you will see through my eyes.

My mom always tells me,

“You’re different-it’s true,

but different is never

something to undo.”

And I try to believe her,

I really do…

but sometimes I wonder-

would you believe it too?

So maybe one day

I’ll gather you near,

and sing you a song

you didn’t know… you needed to hear.

There was an autistic boy

who looked just like me,

He was different, yes-

but that didn’t matter, you see.

I would sit by his side,

laugh with him all day,

and teach every child

there’s a kinder way.

So next time you see him,

please don’t look away…

Because the boy you’re looking at…

is just a friend

you haven’t chosen today.

* Shamita Behl

(Mom of that Autistic Boy)

INTERNAL USE

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating diverse voices worldwide. It encourages participants to share their unique stories and perspectives through poetry and creative writing. This event is renowned for its inclusivity and the opportunity it provides to writers to showcase their talents on a global stage, fostering a community of literary enthusiasts and creators.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Shamita Behl for her moving contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 with her poem "That Autistic Boy." Her work enriches our understanding of autism and the human experience, reminding us of the power of empathy and kindness. Thank you, Shamita, for sharing this beautiful piece with us.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.