Aspies For Freedom

B"H

I have a question for parents.  My question is as such:

1) Do you believe that adults who are Asperger'ites can be of help with your experiences in dealing with children who may be Autistic in a manner that includes learning disabilities, non-verbal communication, et al?

Do you value my opinion, or those of the other "Aspies" on this Forum?  I would like to know.

I hope that this thread can be conducted in a manner that is cordial.  If not, then I would ask for the moderators to seal it.  In fact, I would politely ask that adult "Aspies" allow parents of whatever stripe to speak their minds, and allow this thread to be one that is primarily for parents of children, along with teenagers.  I will set a good example by obliging.

My sense is that "each person is a Universe."  That is Rabbinical wisdom.  If I can be of help, then I would like to be of help.  However, my question would be; of what help can I actually be with someone whose children may have experiences radically different than mine?  Help me to understand, so that I can be a better participant.

I would be more willing to participate on this forum if I knew how welcome I was.  

Thank you.  All the best, and thank you for making the wonderful choice to love your children, and to do the best for them

As a father to an Asperger son I value the thoughts and input from all those on the spectrum.

When people can explain there thoughts, actions, deeds and recount their real life experiences it is far more valuable to me than a lot of the literature that is around, so many people reading about autism/aspergers syndrome are left with the impression that the condition is confined to a small set of traits and behaviours and then get in to difficulties dealing with unexpected behaviours and reactions as a result.

I have seen the "I know it all " attitude so many times, one headteacher insisted that "All children with Asperger's Syndrome are the same, they are very easy to deal with."   Well, I have lived with people on the spectrum and have by now met several hundred "Aspies" across the age ranges from 4 to 74 and they are all very different, individual beings so that "theory" is not holding up.

My son is 12 now, I have brought him up single handed since he was 8 months old and it has been an amazing experience, I see the world in a totally different way now as I try to see and understand things from his perspective , personally I think the world would be a very poor place without these differences.

So, yes your input/help/experiences etc. are very valuable and useful .

Thank you.  Parents who choose to raise their children, stay faithful, and not divorce are the true heroes of the day.  And, in addition, most of you have chosen to accept the Autism of your children, and not seek to rail against G-d.  Instead, many of you see that there is a Purpose in the Spectrum existing.  

Thank you for making an excellent choice!  

All the best.

yes, yes, yes, yes and yes, that is why I am here.  I am pretty good I think at being a parent - I could go to any forum for parental advice if I needed - it's the perspective of my son and others like him who have been thru the storm he will some day have to pass thru on his way to growing up... I need to hear and learn from them - you guys!

I think you probably know I am a fan of your posts. You can help to people with your positive posts, aspies who are learning and finding their way to self enlightenment and the development of self esteem, also you offer guidance and reassurance to parents.

Joyous thought.

Over 70 people have this thread, not everyone responds, your posts tend more to give food for thought. If you are happy to keep on posting - I will keep enjoying reading your spiritually uplifting ideals.  

ATM - I wanted to post earlier, but was interrupted, by my daughter.  LOL!

I think that talking to other Aspies can be a huge help for parents.  I think what is really critical is watching the way that the information is given to the parents, especially when they are new to the forum.  

Often times the parents are very stressed and confused about the diagnosis, or not having a diagnosis, for that matter.  They are not used to proper terminology and can sometimes be unintentionally offensive when asking for help.  

I think it takes a steady hand and calmness to reassure the parents that this is a safe place to talk, and that they will not be judged for asking questions.  Even if they are not worded so well, at first.  

I think that you can still be of help if your experiences are different, if nothing else, to show that the wheel still continues to move, that things will change, that there are struggles and victories in every life, and that includes the lives of the parents and the lives of the kids.  

So I value the opinion of the people on this forum very much.  Including yours.    

ATM: Thank you very much, all of you.

All the best, and happy Shevuot.

Yes, and yes.

Any other questions?

ATM: No, but I do request that you visit what I have written on another thread:

http://www.aspiesforfreedom.com/showthre...#pid213910

All the best.