Do you have any children or grandchildren with the Syndrome? I do and he is delightful. The most challenging to his parents and thinks so differently but I am anxious to see what God can do with him. He brings so much joy to our lives. He is 7 years old and plays the piano. He plays the songs in his most recent piano book but is teaching himself chords from a book his Daddy got for Christmas a few years ago. He plays often everyday. Recently his was asked. What do you feel or think when you play?
"Well when I am playing chords I feel like a man because that is what men do, but when I play these silly songs(piano book) , I feel like a clown....playing an organ..... with big feet."
He will be playing "Step by Step" at his church on Children's Day. He has picked it out and the choir leader is sensitive enough to let this little child have opportunity to use his talent.
Do you find your church supportive?
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Lisa, it's an autism spectrum disorder, which basically means that it's a mild form of autism. I am by no means an expert, but know some stuff, as I like to read Wikipedia in my spare time (lol). The characteristics of Asperger syndrome are a difficulty in or inability to make eye contact, talking about subjects that only you have knowledge of with a group of people that may not know what you're talking about (ex. if you're a computer techie, you may start talking about how to program something with a group of people who are, say, musicians), not knowing how to make "small talk," general clumsiness, obsessive compulsive tendencies, the inability to read people's emotions, and more.
However, this doesn't mean that people with Asperger syndrome are limited in what they can do in life. Many people with Asperger syndrome are very creative, and have advanced knowledge of one or several specific topics (this can go along with OCD because they tend to take interest in one concentrated subject).
Yes, Spencer is a very special boy! He has always been the favorite at every church we have attended since he was born. He is very handsome, charming and refreshingly honest. (I pray for his future wife often.)
As I have learned more about Aspergers and Autism Spectrum disorders, I have encountered many people that exhibit characteristics that have never been evaluated. (In a few cases of children I have informed their parents and there have subsequently been tested and diagnosed.)
What I have found most interesting are the adults with it that have no clue! I have only told a few as most adults are not open to "having anything wrong with them". I even know a 72 year old man that exhibits many traits of AS. I gave his wife some information and they read it together. Both agree he has it. MANY people go undiagnosed their whole life. It is too bad as knowledge is power. There are many books, websites and forums that help with understanding for the person diagnosed as well as those around them. I have learned much about how my brain is wired differently compared to someone with AS and this information has proven invaluable.
Julie - can you post some links that you have found helpful?
Yes, Spencer is a very special boy! He has always been the favorite at every church we have attended since he was born. He is very handsome, charming and refreshingly honest. (I pray for his future wife often.)
As I have learned more about Aspergers and Autism Spectrum disorders, I have encountered many people that exhibit characteristics that have never been evaluated. (In a few cases of children I have informed their parents and there have subsequently been tested and diagnosed.)
What I have found most interesting are the adults with it that have no clue! I have only told a few as most adults are not open to "having anything wrong with them". I even know a 72 year old man that exhibits many traits of AS. I gave his wife some information and they read it together. Both agree he has it. MANY people go undiagnosed their whole life. It is too bad as knowledge is power. There are many books, websites and forums that help with understanding for the person diagnosed as well as those around them. I have learned much about how my brain is wired differently compared to someone with AS and this information has proven invaluable.
My sister has an asperger son. He has been treated as the 'favorite' of the members of their church. This has really helped with his socialization skills!
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However, this doesn't mean that people with Asperger syndrome are limited in what they can do in life. Many people with Asperger syndrome are very creative, and have advanced knowledge of one or several specific topics (this can go along with OCD because they tend to take interest in one concentrated subject).
You can read a summary of Asperger syndrome here.
Julie - can you post some links that you have found helpful?
As I have learned more about Aspergers and Autism Spectrum disorders, I have encountered many people that exhibit characteristics that have never been evaluated. (In a few cases of children I have informed their parents and there have subsequently been tested and diagnosed.)
What I have found most interesting are the adults with it that have no clue! I have only told a few as most adults are not open to "having anything wrong with them". I even know a 72 year old man that exhibits many traits of AS. I gave his wife some information and they read it together. Both agree he has it. MANY people go undiagnosed their whole life. It is too bad as knowledge is power. There are many books, websites and forums that help with understanding for the person diagnosed as well as those around them. I have learned much about how my brain is wired differently compared to someone with AS and this information has proven invaluable.