Autism/Asperger's, Blog posts

Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome

March 23, 2012 PR Mom

*Featured Article on Circle Of Moms: Blogger Central

 

Most people by now know someone with Autism or Asperger’s, or know about it.  Every case is different in the characteristics and severity.

Before all of the wonderful information & resources were available, I had to research on my own to even have a clue as to what was going on with my child.  I knew things were different, and taking my son basically anywhere in public was one of the most horrifying experiences ever.  Why was my son freaking out at the little girl twirling around?  Why did the grocery carts and lights in the store freak him out?  Why in the world does it bother him if his food touches or “feels weird” in his mouth?  Why does he repeatedly line his toys up in a specific way that has to be exact?  Why does he say his clothes “feel scratchy?”

It seems as if they want to “go within” themselves and not ever come out.  We as parent’s much teach our children, therefore we must “pull” them out, exposing them to this whole world full of things happening all of the time.  There is a bright and wonderful person in there!!  But, it takes years of extremely hard work, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and lots of tears!!

You can NOT discipline an autistic child by telling them no, or by demanding immediately for any type of result.  It takes very calmly repeating the same action/reinforcing over and over, or redirecting their behavior to an appropriate one, over and over!!!  It’s like the outside world over-stimulates them.  Their NEUROLOGICAL wiring is different.  Almost like it is exposed on the outside of their skin, rather than under!!

 

Do you realize that “back in the day” these children were sent away to an institution and the Mother was told to forget about them.  Sent away “to save the family embarrassment”?!?!  I could not imagine ever sending my son away, and am so thankful for the charities they have set up today!!  I was there for a brief moment at the Doctor’s office with a son having a full-fledged Autistic melt down thinking “he” was going to tell me that my son was going to be committed.  That was one of the most surreal moment of my life!!

I feel very lucky to have my son.  He is now high functioning and I have high hopes for his future.  His most recent National Achievement scores were in the top 4% & 12%!!!

Being the Mom of an Asperger’s Son, has really inspired me to be the best that I can be.  It has inspired me to do the things that I have told him to do.  When he talks passionately about topics that he feels motivated to do something about, I know that he will be a very successful person!!  :)