DFW area

[Guest guest]

I have a 12 year old son with Asperger's. I have lived in the DFW area all of my life and we have YET to find a group close by! The closest one we had was in Denton, but when we called about it a couple of years, they had disbanned. Which is really unfortunate. The other one I learned about was in . Way too far for us. Their meetings were held on Thursdays around 7pm. I don't know if they are still going on or not.

My son joined a local social skills support group through his Psychiatrist this year and loved it! He got to meet other kids like him and some not like him. They were all boys and they ranged from ADD, ADHD, ODD, Asperger's all the way to others that had social issues. My son gets along with most kids and he especially loves younger ones. (at 12, he is 5'6 1/2, and 173 lbs, so a bit big for his age and towers above others.) The group had their last meeting before Summer about 2 weeks ago and they went bowling. They ALL enjoyed their time together, even though they are so different and it was neat to see them being a team.

My son only had one bad experience during the whole group and that is when one guy called him a fat loser because he wasn't helping the team win, and then got hit on the back with a paper towel roll. Other than that, no problems! (my son) has his own way of dealing with things and he has learned to express himself really well over time. He's a great kid and I wouldn't trade him for the world. He has done well academically this year as well and all the teachers compliment on how sweet he is. One teacher told us last week at his ARD that he was the ONLY student who went up to her and thanked her for letting him go on a recent fishing field trip! So, I can't say I'm not proud! I am.

Yes, we have had our challenges as well, so no one on this list is alone ... you are correct in that. We've seen good and bad times. Although, we tend to focus on the good, and overcoming the obstacles that exist. has come a long, long way since being diagnosed with Asperger's and he is growing into a fine young man. He has one neighbor down the street he considers a best friend and even though he is younger, they get along extremely well. can read facial expressions, body language, and hold eye contact these days, whereas when he was younger, he couldn't. He has wonderful manners and is a huge help around the house (he does laundry, dishes, feeds pets, and helps out any way we ask!)

I will agree that faith is the one thing that pulls us through besides a supportive family. lives with 4 adults and lots of pets and he is an only child. But, he loves it and so do we!

Maybe somebody could find out how to start a group that would be within distance for anyone in the DFW area. If I thought I had the time and the patience to do so, I would myself!!

love, light, blessings, hugs and smiles to all,

Meshel Swanson