I haven't really decided what I want this blog to be. I am an regular reader of several blogs that are sarcastic, cynical and just plain funny, and that is what I had hoped my blog would become as well, but it just doesn't seem I have the knack for that type of writing. So instead, y'all are just going to get what you get!
I recently finished a book titled Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger's written by John Elder Robison. It is a thought provoking look in to the life of someone diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) - a neurological "disorder" that falls on the autism spectrum. Amazon has a short video introducing the book and the author here if any of you are interested. I've decided to spend my blog time today sharing my story of AS.
According to the Mayo Clinic, conservative estimates indicate that two out of every 10,000 children have AS, and boys are three to four times as likely as girls to have the disorder. Chances are you know or work with someone with AS and just think they are quirky. My son Cam was diagnosed with AS when he was 6 (he is now 11).
My son shows some of the classic signs of AS - deficiencies in social skills, difficulty with transitions or changes (he prefers sameness,) an inability to properly interpret body language and proper body space, and an oversensitivity to sounds, tastes, smells, and sights, that wouldn't even be noticed by the "normal" person. Unfortunately, his odd and unusual behaviors are often misinterpreted as intentional rudeness and bad behavior and I am seen as a "bad" parent - even by my own husband. I do not use his Asperger's as an excuse, nor will he, but having the diagnosis does enables me to better understand how he thinks and how I can help him be successful.
So why am I sharing this? I feel strongly that neurological disabilities - especially those that are somewhat mild, are often considered "less" of a disability than ... say ... paralysis. I think it is important for all of us to understand that just because a person's disability is not clearly visible, it can be just as much of a challenge for them.
9 comments:
The main thing is to make your blog "You" and you've done that!
The little blog community that we all float around in is fun. But sometimes it's nice to know that there are real people out there instead of goofy characters (like this "RockDog" douche). Posts that come from inside are always the best. When we post our passions, our likes, our dislikes, it can be scary, but it's also real and we get to know you. It gives it meaning and substance...and depth.
I will check out the book you recommended as I'm sure that I do know someone around me that has AS or falls somewhere on the Autism spectrum.
Good post! But whatever path you choose for your blog will be fine with us! You Rock!
My blog is so far away from what I originally thought it would be, but I guess it just drifted in that direction and I let it go there. It pretty much has control over me instead of the other way around now. LOL
I think there are probably lots and lots of kids and adults trying to function in society that were never diagnosed with some of these disorders.
RockDog, thank you! Really!
Jay, I can really identify with the blog having the control. I was still thinking about the sober kids in India when all of that other stuff came gushing out!
Great post! Looking back I can identify several kids growing up that were obviously having troubles like those you're mentioning.
Be you. That's good enough for me.
Oh, and watch your mail next week. It's coming!
I couldn't say it any better than those who commented above me. Your blog is your blog and we come here to read you. Some days you will be funny, other days serious, it is a reflection of who you are in the moment of a post and collectively over time. Post what you want, we'll comment. :)
I'm glad you have a diagnosis, understanding is half the battle. (patience the other half)
RLL, should I just post that photo I *owe* you on my blog? Something tells me it might be a hit for Wordless Wednesday!
G-Man, thanks for the encouragement. I started this silly blog more as a means of cheap therapy than anything else. Sometimes the realization that people actually read it gives me the weeber-jeebies!
I read a "rant" once on Craigslist that complained of "normal looking" people parking handicapped spaces.... it basically said if you can walk you shouldn't park there. People don't realize that handicaps vary on so many different levels.
I like your blog just the way it is, because it's YOU and that's real. You're probably the most REAL person I've met in a long time. I thought that when I first "met" you online and especially now that I've met you in person.
I enjoy coming to your blog and I already feel closer to you than a lot of people that I've been reading for a while now.
Just the fact that you're sharing this with us proves that you're a caring parent and doing everything you can to improve your son's life.
And last but not least, thanks to your Adult You Tube link I'm fully addicted to porn again.
I've gotta go take care of business now. ;)
Leighann, I might not be perfect, but I am real - and sometimes it gets me in to a lot of trouble *wink*
CPT Corky, just don't tell your wife that it was me who fed your addiction - I hate being the other woman!!
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