Replies to 'Asperger's Syndrome'

How many times as a parent have you asked you doctor questions regarding the development of your child only to get a response that you are an overly worried parent?  My son was diagnosed with AS when he was in 5th grade.  It was an expensive and a disheartening diagnosis.  The worst part was to hear the doctor state there is no medicine, opperation, or cure for his diagnosis.  I was told to not have high expectations for my son and to not put pressure on him.  I could not accept the outcome.  I researched AS and found Tony Attwood, Beth Kirby (OASIS on line support) a benefit.  I have chosen to be open to our family an friends and especially my son.  He is fully aware of his diagnosis.  He still has meltdowns, but we approach his behaviors differently.  We know his signs of a meltdown in the making.  We try to immediately redirect him before the outburst is in action. We model appropriate behavior.  We catch him doing something right we let him know specifically what was right.  I encourage him to talk to people.  He has to ask 3 questions to the person and listen to their answers and make one comment on their answers and then state 3 more questions. We have discussed signs of  all emotions to our son, so he can read people.  We discuss immediately behaviors that he displays that are inappropriate and we make him reinact situations the appropriate way.  I am happy to say that the last time he was at his counselor, she stated that he did not act like a child with AS.  This was a greatfeeling for him and the whole family.  No he is not cured, he has learned to control his symptoms and to understand people.  He is 14 know and knows his signs of a meltdown and he will redirect himself.  He has been teased and bullied.  He has seen the ugly side of people and he still has a great heart towards all people.  I feel that any child diagnosed with AS has a gift.  I have learned so much from my son.  He has made me more patient and less selfish.  My wish for all parents who have a child diagnosed with AS, do not feel like it is hopeless, it is not.  It is never too late to change behaviors, it may be harder, but never too late.  Do not give up on your child.  Do not take it personally.  Enjoy the gifts that your child has and he/she will succeed in life.  They can be anything they want to be with your guidance.