Replies to 'Asperger's Syndrome'

My daughter loves Dr. Phill, and saw these messages regarding Aspergers and Autism. She came and got me to tell you just how it is. I feel that I am one of the luckiest moms in the world. I raised five daughters on my own, and Leslie being my fifth child, and me being single and holding down a job - I can honestly say that I had the perfect little girl. Yes, I battled schools on my own, and yes, I became the hated mom at school due to teachers that didnt understand, but once I educated them and they saw that I was not a threat but in fact a supporter to them also - we as a team made Leslie's evironment more comfortable for her. That is who is most important. The child. My other girls were honor students and along with working with them I worked with Leslie, and the teachers grew to love her. She is going to start college in January starting with one course at a time, adaptive P.E. to help her with motor skills and balance, then she hopes to take cultural anthropology and slowly build up.  I worked with her from day one to make eye contact and I make her respond to people, my life is dedicated to her as long as she needs me as I feel that is so important. I feel as a family we are lucky to have such a fun and sweet child. She is smothered with hugs and kisses by her nieces and nephews, and her sisters and of course me. Things go slow, sometimes with her getting brave - but one day at a time - I As per Leslie, love that child with all your heart. Make them feel safe, keep routines for them so they know what to expect. Explain things to your community as it takes a community to raise a child. Get them involved, like one of my neighbors is teaching Leslie to take pictures and she is good at it. Play group is vital, as they get students training to be teachers to play one on one with your child, they make friends. High school, we did home studies the last year and a half, but it worked out. Then count yourself lucky - God gave us the sweetest kids in the world. I dont do support groups as I work full time, and have my other daughters and grand children that need me also, I do have friends, and I have my Dr. Phill - that is mine and Leslie's special time. She and I didnt get to meet him when he came to sacramento and we were so sad. There was just too many people at the mall for comfort.   If you need any info feel free to ask - I learned on my own. Actually Leslie taught me and diagnosed herself - we didnt know until she was 14 - the schools said, She was over protected, not socialized, learning disabilities etc. When she diagnosed herself I had her tested at Alta Regional - and she was correct. Funny - we hear a child will lead the way - she does and is.  Dee