Williams’ new video, released for World Autism Month, gives a voice to both autistic children and their parents
WILMINGTON, NC, April 19, 2020 /Neptune100/ — Autism Speaks has designated 2020 as the year of kindness. In celebration of World Autism Month, award winning author and school nurse Cheryl Williams created a video in which she presents autistic kids talking about what kindness means to them, with comments from their parents. The new video is available at Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7QgB6XJn9w.
“Kindness is knocking down the walls, including one and all,” Williams stated. “Kindness is treating everyone with respect and dignity, and never letting our differences determine how we treat others. We are all different and unique, and that goes for every autistic child.
“When I look at an autistic child I don’t see disability! I see the ability to love! The ability to appreciate! The ability to be all that they were created to be.
“Let’s take the time to truly understand! Let’s take the effort to break down the walls and be more accepting. May we see Autism as more than just a label.
“I wrote this poem ‘The Puzzle Pieces Of My Life’ as a way to help spread awareness and understanding.”
I am not what the labels say I am
I am my own person
I live each day to be the best me
That I can possibly be
Through my eyes you don’t see me
Cause I’m not you
And you’re not me
I am special and unique
My talents and skills you fail to see
I might not respond the way you expect me too
But just because you don’t see life the way I do
It doesn’t mean that I am less than you
The pieces of my life fits a puzzle
For those who want more information on autism, Willams recommends visiting the Autism Speaks website. According to the information on their site, “Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We do this through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.”
More is available at Williams’ website at https://cherylhot6.wixsite.com/cherylpwilliams.
Williams was named Top Female Author in the 2019 Top Female Author Awards in the poetry category. The win came as the result of her most recent book, ‘A Collection Of Poems: A Journey Through Life’. Williams was chosen from a field of hundreds of authors by a panel of judges.
Writing has helped Williams connect with her inner self, finding positive ways to cope with life’s struggles. She has been writing and singing for as long as she can remember.
Throughout her childhood she sang in both the church and school choir, and also enjoyed singing at talent shows and music festivals. As an adult she also participated in concerts, performing as a solo artist.
Music and writing are the tools that bring her fulfillment and healing. Her book, ‘A Collection Of Poems’, takes us through the power of the human mind, good or bad, and its impact on one’s direction and journey through life.
With the help of music, writing, and positive thinking, Williams found hope and purpose in life. Life isn’t fair. It is unpredictable, bad things happen to good people, and we never know what tomorrow holds. Cheryl wants her readers to realize that even when faced with insurmountable, hopeless situations, even when life seems dark and uncertain, we should never let go of hope and appreciate the beauty and blessings that life has to offer, making the most of every day, loving, living, laughing, and learning. Seasons change, and there is always a rainbow after the storms of life.
Cheryl Williams is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at [email protected]. ‘A Collection Of Poems: A Journey Through Life’ is available at Amazon. More information, including a number of videos and a collection of music, is available at her website at https://cherylhot6.wixsite.com/cherylpwilliams.
Cheryl Williams is a wife, mother, author, and nurse by profession, with a passion for the Arts.
Her love for poetry started at the tender age of five when she recited the poem “Grandfather Frog” for a school function. Six years later, her world was turned upside down after her mother suffered a massive stroke. During those uncertain times, music, writing, and poetry helped her cope.
As a teenager, whenever she wasn’t caring for her mother, Cheryl spent her free time writing and directing short plays as a form of entertainment for the children in her neighborhood.
She enjoyed singing in the church and school choir, while also performing publicly as a soloist in concerts and talent shows. As a result of her mother’s illness and her responsibility to help care for her, Cheryl was inspired to pursue nursing as a way to help others heal; the same way writing and music helped her find a path to healing. She resides in New York.