Comments on: Autism is a brain developmental disorder

By: Robyn

Robyn — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 03:19:31 +0000

I agree with Ani. Normal is a very over rated condition. Asperger folks often bring new and valuable insights to things. I just saw a piece on TV about how people with autism rarely fall for magic tricks because they aren’t influenced by the intentional distractions magicians count on. Very cool. Thank God for all types of people (mostly all…)

By: Ted Long

Ted Long — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:50:22 +0000

Message to Rob:

I suggest you hook up with a support group in your area.
Also, the local Hotline and Mental Health Center should have a listing for resources which could help you.
All Autistic children have special skills and abilities. In spite of how you were raised, as an adult, you can get the guidance, support and help to find solutions for your needs. You just have to keep searching, and remember YOU ARE WORTH THE EFFORT! Don’t let your problems get you down. Find good things to think about, about remind yourself of all the small blessings you have each day.

By: Ted Long

Ted Long — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:40:21 +0000

The amount of autism research is growing. I am researching how school psychologists assess and refer children with Aspergers Syndrome (disorder), which many consider a form of autism. It is important to remember that normal parenting techniques do not work with these kids, and the parents almost always need support and parenting guidance. Every one of these kids are different, and parenting efforts need to be tailored to the child, which sometimes is different from conventional methods. The doctors and social workers need more training, from what I can tell If your child is diagnosed with Autism, I recommend finding a therapist who has specialized in working in this area. You are more likely than not to find someone who can tailor the child’s personal needs to you, your partner, the family and the community. Also, find a support group with others who have a child diagnosed with Autism. If it is Aspergers, find a group for that disrder. There is a high rate of abuse with Autistic children, so get the help to learn how to help your childk, before you become so frustrated that you become abusive.

By: Kathleen

Kathleen — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:01:53 +0000

My son is 8 now and was diagnosed with Aspergers back when he was 4. The kid taught himself to read earlier than this diagnosis. He was naming all the different cars that he saw when he was 2 1/2. His memory is amazing. This is not a disorder, this is a gift. His emotional outburst need to be fine tuned and we’re working on his fine motor skills but these are minor in comparison to his outstanding gifts. Rob, there is nothing wrong with you. I bet you’re magical in so many ways. Connect with people who understand and see all the wonders open up for you.

By: Piper McNeill

Piper McNeill — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:46:06 +0000

I am so thrilled to have stumbled onto this sight! I have been raising my step-daughter’s son for the past 17 years (he is now 19), and we didn’t find out until he was starting his junior year in high school that he has Aspergers. Lots of labels before that!, like low I.Q. etc., because he didn’t make eye contact with many people, or talk to many, either. People who were loving towards him, and who didn’t ‘rush’ him or disrespect him, especially if they had a sense of humor!, he tended to like and respond to. For literally years I was unsure if he fully understood the concepts that I espoused .. we talked about EVERYTHING, and I explained endlessly, yet often got a distant or confused look from him. He did ask questions some-times and I would then restate myself, giving him new examples, etc. This went on for years, until the summer before his junior year, when he began to write a story .. it is a metaphor for his life, all the abuse he suffered at the hands of his birth family, then teachers, etc!, as well as all the wonderful, compassionate and humane values that we had discussed over the years!! Spiritual (not religious) values were expressed as well .. and the depth and beauty of his words have stunned people, even myself!! I heard conversations from times past .. that had been thought through and reworded .. as well as some concepts that are uniquely his own! WHAT AN AMAZING TREASURE this tall, gentle Spiritual Warrior is!! He loves books, movies, AND video games, of course! He would like to make more friends, and not be as shy as he is .. but gentle, kind people (the kind we’d all appreciate in our lives!) find him amusing and enjoyable, and I believe that as he continues to mature, he will attract only good folks into his life!! How I love to hear him laugh! … oh yes, he still carries the memories and pain of the way he was treated by his birth family .. that will always perhaps be painful for him!, but HE IS SO MUCH MORE THAN THAT! .. so much more than the Asperger’s! I thank all of you who have written comments as he will enjoy them all as much as I have! .. and Rob, yes, he will hear and understand your pain and aloneness, too! Because you were brave enough to say what you deeply feel, it will make it easier for him to talk about his pain, too!! All life, and ALL PEOPLE are valuable .. and to be highly respected!! .. most especially those with integrity and good character! Rob, you are well-spoken .. you wrote your feelings so well, painful as they are! Keep your head up and keep reaching out, there ARE those who will see you for who you truly are!! I know that my Bryan would certainly be open to friendship with you, so there must be others as well! I, too, hope that you will post messages again! Love,Piper

By: Leslie

Leslie — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:50:00 +0000

Check with the local chapters of MHMR. THere are many people who are high functioning persons who live in their own place work, and enjoy many social activities with girlfriends or boyfriends. I know of two couples who married and are living on their own. You do not have to be alone. No Way. You have a lot to offer. You can also help someone who is less fortunate than you at MHMR. There are cleints who work there and volunteer. Have A Great Day ROB!!!

By: diana

diana — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 01:44:48 +0000

Hello from me, too, ROB! I join Channel News in greeting you and welcoming you to share anything you would like us to know. You say you have no life, but you can contact us, and you absolutely DO have a life—you are living it! Please do not bend under the weight of what you cannot do; instead, fly with the joy of what you can do.
I hope you will post again and tell us a bit about your days.

By: My Channel News

My Channel News — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 20:50:17 +0000

Hey Rob,
Its really sad. But your mind is well developed. Who is taking care of you now?

By: Ani

Ani — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:05:14 +0000

Why does this have to be a “disorder”? Why not accept a very wide range of possible personalities for humans? Why not accept great differences and needs and potentials for all?
Why not just learn to manage our own differences, make the best of them, embrace them, be happy that we are each individuals, like our fingerprints. Take the labels away from your son and he sounds quite successful. We could all analyze our lives and consider what to improve, how to improve. Put a magnifying glass over anyone’s life and you will see “flaws”, yet somehow, in Nature, there are no flaws, there are no mistakes. Why not just celebrate your son the way he is.

By: rob

rob — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:45:33 +0000

im am 51 year old autistic who has never been treated, my parents were embarressed and thought treatment would hurt THEIR reputation. i have no carear, no marrage, no kids no friends no life at all