Hi there,
I found your poem when searching for items about autism to review for "a very Wodehouse challenge" .


GENERAL:
My first impression is that this is a simple poem that speaks of a mother's angst. As a mother myself, I can certainly feel the anguish in the line 'My child seems different.' The idea of a new parent checking all the newborn baby's fingers and toes is a classic symptom of this desire to have a 'normal' child that blends in.

Finishing with the bald statement 'I'm scared' leaves the reader feeling quite unsettled, which is no doubt what you were going for.

I'm not personally familiar with autism, although I have known a child with Asperger's, which is on the spectrum. I do understand that the symptoms vary wildly from child to child, but it is not uncommon for a child with autism to have trouble communicating and making eye contact, so I understand that aspect of your poem.


CONVENTION:
The poem is a cinquain which has a set syllable requirement. At first I thought 'Autism' was the first line, and was confused, but then realised you had merely repeated the title. Once I understood that, I noticed no errors in syllable counts. All looks perfect in that regard.


SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT:
I think you need a line break between the title and the poem, to separate them. At the moment, the title looks like it is part of the poem.


FINAL NOTE:
The poem is very simple, and for that reason I haven't given it more stars. But it was clear and easily understandable, and I think your fear, and the reason for it, comes across to the reader quite strongly. I commend you on sharing a poem on such a difficult subject.
Elle



My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .