EchoAngel's blog: "Autism N Aspergers"

Asperger syndrome From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Asperger's syndrome Asperger syndrome (also referred to as Asperger's syndrome, Asperger's disorder, 'Aspergers, or AS) is a condition on the autistic spectrum. It manifests in individual ways and can have both positive[1][2][3][4][5] and negative effects on a person's life. Like other autistic spectrum disorders, Asperger's includes repetitive behavior patterns and impairment in social interaction. However, Asperger's differs from 'classic' autism in that non-social aspects of intellectual development generally proceed at a normal or accelerated rate.[6] The disorder affects people in various ways, but individuals with Asperger's commonly share characteristics such as an ability to focus intensely on areas of interest, hyposensitivity/hypersensitivity to certain stimuli and sensory integration problems, self-stimulating ('stimming') behaviors such as rocking back and forth or verbal utterances, and difficulty interpreting facial expressions and other social cues.[6] Some positive characteristics include things such as enhanced mental focus, excellent memory abilities, superior spatial skills, and an intuitive understanding of logical systems. These characteristics can often lead to fulfilling careers in mathematics, engineering, the sciences,[1][2][3], music, art, or language.[7] There is significant controversy over the difference between AS and the broader category of high-functioning autism (HFA). While neither AS nor HFA have universally accepted definitions,[8] most diagnostic manuals distinguish the two according to speech development. Delayed speech indicates HFA; normal onset of speech indicates Asperger's.[6] However, at least one diagnostic guide takes the opposite position; that delayed onset of speech favors a diagnosis of AS.[9] Some clinicians deny that AS is differentiated from other autistic spectrum disorders at all. Instead they refer to Asperger's as HFA, or treat the diagnoses interchangeably, arguing that language delay is a difference in degree and not kind.[10][4] Even among those who feel that the differences between AS and HFA are significant, it is common for diagnoses to be influenced by non-technical issues, such as availability of government benefits for one condition but not the other.[11][12] Due to the mixed nature of its effects, and continued debate over its definition, Asperger's remains controversial among researchers, clinicians, and people with the diagnosis.

Well It starts again.. summer time.. hot weather.. kids playing together outside.. hearing them laughing .. joking.. screaming. The joys of summer lol We all know that kids can be cruel. We have all (well most have) been laughed at or been picked on by a bully or two. My son came in today with a black eye. The neighbourhood kids were throwing rocks at him when he was outside playing. Said he was different.. weird. Mother bear instincts come rearing up fast!!! When I went to talk to the kids mother.. she didnt care.. grabbed her beer and joint and went back in the house and said kids will be kids. What would you do? PS my son actually defended this child.. said it was ok .. said that he knows he is different and that the boy was still his friend. That one day he will be nice again. I love my son so much. It kills me when he hurts. I just wish that more parents would teach that other children with challenges are still children with feelings.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4U0V5VQCqI

1) Autistic People Are All Alike Myth: If I’ve met an autistic person (or seen the movie Rain Man), I have a good idea of what all autistic people are like. Fact: Autistic people are as different from one another as they could be. The only elements that ALL autistic people seem to have in common are unusual difficulty with social communication. 2) Autistic People Don't Have Feelings Myth: Autistic people cannot feel or express love or empathy. Fact: Many -- in fact, most -- autistic people are extremely capable of feeling and expressing love, though sometimes in idiosyncratic ways! What's more, many autistic people are far more empathetic than the average person, though they may express their empathy in unusual ways. 3) Autistic People Don't Build Relationships Myth: Autistic people cannot build solid relationships with others. Fact: While it’s unlikely that an autistic child will be a cheerleader, it is very likely that they will have solid relationships with, at the very least, their closest family members. And many autistic people do build strong friendships through shared passionate interests. There are also plenty of autistic people who marry and have satisfying romantic relationships. 4) Autistic People Are a Danger to Society Myth: Autistic people are dangerous. Fact: Recent news reports of an individual with Asperger Syndrome committing violent acts have led to fears about violence and autism. While there are many autistic individuals who exhibit violent behaviors, those behaviors are almost always caused by frustration, physical and/or sensory overload, and similar issues. It’s very rare for an autistic person to act violently out of malice. 5) All Autistic People Are Savants Myth: Autistic people have amazing “savant” abilities, such as extraordinary math skills or musical skills. Fact: It is true that a relatively few autistic people are “savants.” These individuals have what are called “splinter skills” which relate only to one or two areas of extraordinary ability. By far the majority of autistic people, though, have ordinary or even less-than-ordinary skill sets. 6) Autistic People Have No Language Skills Myth: Most autistic people are non-verbal or close to non-verbal. Fact: Individuals with a classic autism diagnosis are sometimes non-verbal or nearly non-verbal. But the autism spectrum also includes extremely verbal individuals with very high reading skills. Diagnoses at the higher end of the spectrum are increasing much faster than diagnoses at the lower end of the spectrum. 7) Autistic People Can't Do Much of Anything Myth: I shouldn’t expect much of an autistic person. Fact: This is one myth that, in my opinion, truly injures our children. Autistic individuals can achieve great things -- but only if they're supported by people who believe in their potential. Autistic people are often the creative innovators in our midst. They see the world through a different lens -- and when their perspective is respected, they can change the world