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[flamglam]

In total, having my son has been the best thing for me. My life really does have a new meaning. I used to think publishing five (5) articles a year was an accomplishment but now having my son play 'Connect Four' or sing 'Old McDonald' with me is now what I aim for. I have come to terms with my trading potential 'guru' status in my field to being better 'daddy' status in my home (and that was surprising hard to do upon reflection).

Beautifully written. Thank you for this.

I'm currently doing a pre-student teaching (K-12 SpEd) internship at a special education school for students with high functioning autism/Asperger's. They are wonderful, amazing children. I'm honored to be teaching them and to be taught by them.

They are making me a better educator, and a better person.

Thanks again for sharing about your bundle of awesomeness at home. You are on a very special journey and it sounds like you're well prepared for it.

BTW - your son should have an IEP meeting as soon as he hits the door for first grade, even if he never attends a single day of mainstream school. As you may already know, the school district is liable for the costs of your son's education if he requires an alternative placement to accommodate his disability. Make sure you get what you are entitled to as a taxpayer.

[collegekidsmom]

I have a family member with autism. I am so glad to hear the stories of love and progress from parents walking this difficult road. Having watched the sometimes frantic struggle of the early years for answers and help to the realities of everyday life with an eight year old autistic boy, I can see that it is easy to get completely caught up in everything autism. What seems to matter at the end of the day is that it may be more important than ever to have other things in life that give you personal satisfaction and some sense of control over your world. Work and a focus on your marriage and outside friendships when everything seems to go toward giving the child everything may turn out to be very important. In our extended family situation, there was not a focus on getting dedicated caregivers early on-so that parents could spend some time away, or a focus on career that now is missing and hard to get back. The early years of babyhood gradually make way for the longer term-life with a child that is part of the family, neighborhood, and school community. I can see now that it is absolutely vital to work on those other aspects of life to sustain you through the years. Best wishes.

[flamglam]

As a point of interest, when speaking about people with disabilities, it's respectful to use what's called "people first" language. That means that when you speak of someone with a disability, their humanity comes before the disability.

For example:

NOT "autistic boy"
BUT "John, a boy who has autism"

NOT "retarded"
BUT "Mary, a girl with cognitive disabilities"

Families and other loved ones of persons with autism, or any disability, will appreciate their special person receiving the dignity and respect that they deserve.

[spork]

Looks like Asperger's is disappearing as a diagnosis.

- Spork, a lesbian trapped in a man's body

[canadatourismguy]

Looks like Asperger's is disappearing as a diagnosis.

- Spork, a lesbian trapped in a man's body

A lot of this is because of insurance issues.  It is better to be diagnosed with Autism than Asperger's because there are more covered treatments available.  It is a sad statement.

[spork]

Looks like Asperger's is disappearing as a diagnosis.

- Spork, a lesbian trapped in a man's body

A lot of this is because of insurance issues.  It is better to be diagnosed with Autism than Asperger's because there are more covered treatments available.  It is a sad statement.

There are also sound scientific reasons for eliminating Asperger's from the DSM.