Understanding and Overcoming Aspergers; In Search of a Better Truth

When my son began to demonstrate behaviors that didn’t ‘fit’ into the perfect mold created by the world and accepted by society I became a ‘victim’ of my own denial.

I didn’t want to see their truth.

When friends, family members and his pre-school teacher began to question us and even suggest that he “should be tested” I became angry and afraid.

I didn’t want to hear their truth.

When the doctors said that my son had a form of Autism known as Asperger’s Syndrome I became protective and determined to ‘save’ him from the world.

I didn’t want to know their truth.

Their Truth:

· “He will need to be on ‘Ritalin’ by 1st grade.”

· “He will need to be in special education classes.”

· “Behavior Modifying Therapy should begin immediately.”

· “An Individual Educational Profile (IEP) will need to be determined.”

· “Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy… therapy, therapy, therapy…”

WHERE would the time come from?

WHERE would the financing come from?

WHERE would the answers come from?

My Truth:

· Understand the consequences of this drug called Ritalin and other Mind Altering Drugs.

· Learn about Special Education Classes - and determine if this is the right ‘fit’ for him.

· Accept or Ignore the need for an IEP and become an Advocate of the School System.

· Search for the Behavior Modifying Therapy that best works for my son.

· Determine what he really needs and discover who he really is.

And thus my journey began...

I felt like a determined passenger on the sinking Titanic—surrounded by murky fog and fighting for a chance to escape the madness.

It's been over 5 years since the first stage of denial. I find myself still searching for more - after all of these years... even though my son is now 7 1/2 , in 1st grade and truly doing wonderful.

Born out of an obvious need I feel driven to discover more, share more and speak more about what we've learned on this journey.

I hope and pray that the lessons we learned will offer hope to others who are still out there searching... for a better truth!

Please feel free to post your thoughts and / or questions and I will be sharing more soon,

Rhonda