# **Autism in a Care Home** 🧩🏡💜 **[Verse 1]** This may be called my care home, But it still has to feel like mine. My room is where I settle, Where I need a little quiet time. Knock before you enter, Tell me why you’re here, One calm voice is easier Than six people standing near. Some days I need more silence, Some days I need more space, Some days too much happening Can overwhelm the whole place. **[Pre-Chorus]** Tell me what is happening, Tell me what comes next. A little preparation Can save a lot of stress. **[Chorus]** **Autism in a care home means listen to me too,** Ask me what I need and tell me what you’ll do. Give me time, give me choice, Let me use my own voice. Don’t decide everything without me in the room— **This is my home, not just somebody’s workroom.** Knock first, speak gently, Don’t rush me through. A little understanding Can make a world of difference too. 💜 **[Verse 2]** If I’m sleeping, let me sleep Unless there’s something that can’t wait. Please don’t send a crowd inside Just because you’re running late. If I need to wake up, One person is enough. Give me at least ten minutes— Sudden waking can be tough. Let me open up my eyes, Let my brain catch up with me. A calm and gentle morning Can change how the whole day will be. **[Pre-Chorus]** One person, one question, One instruction at a time. You might call it something little— To me it matters every time. **[Chorus]** **Autism in a care home means listen to me too,** Ask me what I need and tell me what you’ll do. Give me time, give me choice, Let me use my own voice. Don’t decide everything without me in the room— **This is my home, not just somebody’s workroom.** **[Verse 3]** Changes can be difficult When nobody tells me why. Different staff, a changed routine, Plans changing on the fly. Please tell me when you know things, Don’t leave me guessing all day. Knowing what is coming Helps me find a safer way. If plans have got to change, Explain it clearly if you can. I might still find it difficult, But at least I understand the plan. **[Bridge]** Don’t mistake silence for ignoring. Don’t mistake overwhelm for rude. Don’t assume that I’m not listening Because I’m in a different mood. I might stim. I might need headphones. I might need my room awhile. I might need extra processing Before I answer with a smile. And please tell me before touching me, Before care begins, explain. Ask permission whenever possible— Respect shouldn’t disappear with my name. **[Breakdown]** Knock first. 🚪 One voice. Give me time. Give me choice. Tell me the plan. Keep things clear. Don’t fill my room With everyone here. If I say I’m overwhelmed, Please believe it’s true. Working with me works much better Than deciding for me what to do. **[Final Chorus]** **Autism in a care home means I’m still myself,** Not a room number, diagnosis, or file upon a shelf. I have preferences, boundaries, Good days and difficult days too. And the best kind of care Is care that works **with** me, not just **for** me and through me. Give me dignity. Give me privacy. Give me warning when you can. Speak to me like an adult, And help me understand the plan. **This is where I live, So help it feel like home. Respect my space, respect my voice, And please don’t make me feel alone.** 🧩🏡💜 **[Outro]** Knock. Ask. Explain. Listen. Give me time. Give me choice. Because good care isn’t only What you do for someone— **It’s whether you hear their voice.** 💜
