What Do You Know About Asperger's Syndrome?

It's quiet here this morning. My sons are with their Grandparents overnight. My wife is enjoying sleeping in a bit. The only sounds are the occasional rumble of local traffic passing out front, and the deep breaths of our dog as he sighs in contemplation near my feet. A warm cup of Folgers steams to my right.

I'm thinking of my sons. Remembering that I didn't get a chance to post a video they created two nights ago...until now! Enjoy it with me. They'll be happy you did!



In the quiet of this morning I ventured out to Google on a quest to better understand AS. Asperger's Syndrome. It's been top of mind for the past few weeks. I want to know how to best love, lead, support, and assist my eldest son. He's a joy to me. He's a challenge to me. He's my son.

The best manuals I have found are the Bible and Google. I pray for wisdom. And for useful search queries.

After an hour of searching, watching, reading, brewing, sipping, journaling, and listening I do not know much more than before. I'm thankful for my sons. I'm thankful for the days that we have to love one another. I'm thankful for the support of family and friends, for a wife who deserves to sleep in once in awhile, and Grandparents who will rescue their grandsons from me once in awhile! (The rescue goes both ways!)

What I've come to understand is that Asperger's Syndrome (AS) is classified as a developmental disability. Everyone of us are unique, but those who have AS tend to have significant challenges in social and emotional development. Social developments and emotional processing that come naturally for many, must be intentionally developed for a person with AS.

This morning I found a few videos and websites that helped me to make better sense of some things. I can't say that I agree with everything said, or know their positions to be correct, but I found them helpful in some subjective way.

Some videos:

A quick bit from a teen girl with Asperger's:



Video from a young man with high functioning autism, reflections on his development and the parenting he received:



Arthur episode: When George Met Carl



Other Web Resources:

• Autism Support Network
• Asperger's Syndrome Education Network
• Meet Taylor Morris - this one seems self indulgent, but I post my kids Lego videos so I'll put down my rock
• Mayo Clinic AS Resources

There's a wealth of websites out there. Much too much to take in on a quiet Saturday morning! But I'm glad to be looking. And thankful for the information so far.

I would love to hear feedback from any out there who have, or have helped parent one who has, Asperger's Syndrome.

I'll continue on my quest, but that's all for today.

Jesus loves you and knows what you need for today, ask Him about it.

Blessings,

Mike