- was: Nuturing the self of a child with AS

[Guest guest]

> That's why it's important to self-educate about autism or whatever it is we

want to learn. That is why I go to my local parent support group for kids who

have autism, even though I have never been a parent. I attend the group to show

support to the parents and to provide whatever suggestions I feel could help

them. That, plus to learn about autism at younger stages in a person's life. I

might be able to help adults, as I founded an adult support/social group for

those with HFA/AS. But, it's also good for me to know about AS/HFA at those

younger stages.

>

>

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Hi ,

I couldn't agree more. Back in the early days of Asperger Syndrome's emergence

as a diagnosis, most of what out there was written about children. In reading

this literature, I could see very strong similarities to my late brother - and

milder ones with myself. I gleaned a lot of understanding about how AS impacted

on my brother and myself. I also came to understand how our differences are

perceived by most people, and it actually gave me a great sense of peace,

forgiveness and closure.

There were many other benefits, too numerous to go into here, in that research.

It finally " filled in the blanks " to many questions.

Even though there is now a great proliferation of literature, research, etc. for

and by adults with AS - and that is important, too - it is still valuable to

learn about AS in children, whether you have AS, or your partner has AS (or

both) even if you don't have a child with AS. It really does round out the

picture. Not to mention, as you are doing now, being able to help those with AS

children.

, I think it's absolutely wonderful that you are moving towards helping and

educating others about autism. You were a darned good self advocate too, and can

show others the way.

It's always so exciting to hear how the AS and NS old timers in this group are

branching out in their lives as a result of the knowledge of AS, like the

direction you are taking, and the emerging authors and speakers in this group

such as Ron and Sondra, and , who is going into counselling.

- Helen