Dear “I wish I didn’t have Asperger’s”,

As I’m sitting here wondering what to write to you, I can’t help but smile at the contrast with my own Aspie.  Pudding is just five, and she is twirling in front of a mirror saying, “two Puddings.”  In her mind, the only thing better than Pudding, is there being more than one of her.  How right she is.

I wonder if things will change, if she will change.  If she views the many ways she is unique as a burden, rather than a blessing.  If there will ever be a time she types, “I wish I didn’t have Aspergers” into a search engine, just like you did.  If she does, I’ll feel like I lost.

I’ll feel like I lost my chance to show her all the many ways the world is a better place because she is who she is.

I’m not diagnosed with Asperger’s.  I’ve never experienced the many ways your life is profoundly more difficult than mine.  But others have.  They’ve experienced a lifetime of misunderstanding, ridicule, humiliation, and even abuse, and have taken it upon themselves to change things.  Because they know they don’t need to change, but the world does.

There have been some victories- efforts that have resulted in greater understanding, support and inclusion.  But there is a way to go.  Advocates and their allies are pressing on for greater awareness of alternative communication methods, sensory processing differences, the need for improved housing, education and support for autistic individuals throughout the lifespan.

You have to know that you are worth these efforts.  You have to know that the world is changing because of an incredible community that you are part of, because you have Asperger’s.  You are not alone.

The next time someone googles “I wish I didn’t have Asperger’s”, they’re going to find a whole community of support waiting for them.  Because of you.

The only thing better than you, is more than one of you.  Just ask my girl.

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I'm just curious. How many of us parents question whether or not we're on the spectrum too?  Ok.. I am going to make a general statement, and probably stick my foot in my mouth. To the people that know me, know that I sorta do this from time to time. Well, ok.....a lot.

I've noticed throughout the community there is two very distinct sides to parenting children with Autism. One, a very confused, angry, a lack of understanding to "why" their kids do what they do, a sense of morning towards their abnormal child. And the other who, while not happy per say.. but they get their kids. There are stresses, but the anger and mystery just isn't there.

I tend to subscribe to the second.  In fact I find most of their antics to be rather funny. It really doesn't even dawn on me that what they are doing is so abnormal unless it's being pointed out. Mostly when we are out in public or with other NT children. Outside from the horrible meltdowns. I do tend to make lite of the situation. More Here...

As Neal celebrates his 16th birthday, I am met with the realities of parenting a child with severe autism. Neal will always need me to care for him.

Yes, he has come so far in his development. At one time too frightened to even leave the house due to sensory overload; he now loves going on adrenalin-producing amusement park rides. On the day he turned 16, he rode a roller coaster and requested going on "Soaring Over California" three times in a row (much to my weak stomach's chagrin!) For the most part, Neal has chosen to leave the isolation of his inner world of autism behind and become part of this brave new world. Much of his story and how we got there is chronicled in my soon to be released memoir, Now I See the Moonwww.nowiseethemoon.com (HarperCollins) More Here...

An interesting event has occurred within the "autism" community and quite frankly I find it highly disturbing. There are some in this community that think it is their business to tell others how to raise their children. They make it their business to alienate those that disagree with them. They make themselves out to be the arbiters of what is and is not right when dealing with autism and persons on the autism spectrum. I say baloney to that... More Here...

I Teach Autism’s favorite independent publisher AAPC has come through again with another wonderful resource to help teach students with high functioning autism. We highly recommend this book for it’s unique perspective that will surely prove helpful as a teaching resource. Young artist Haley Moss knows that middle school can be rough.  In her new book, Middle School: The Stuff Nobody Tells You About – A Teenage Girl with High-Functioning Autism Shares Her Experiences, Haley wrote an extensive “survival guide” for succeeding in middle school, a time she found particularly difficult because of her autism. The book is the latest release from Autism Asperger Publishing Company. 

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