I originally started this blog for my daughter Jaylyn and her vast complex diagnoses. However, due to being contacted in a negative manner by someone with a Google doctorate on "asburgers", I felt the need to write on my 20 years of experience with ASPERGERS as a mother and as a nurse, which has since been renamed ASD or autism spectrum disorder, also known as pervasive developmental disorder. First off, it does not mean that a person with autism is "retarded" (quoting the ignorantly informed). Quite the contrary, those with autism have higher than average IQ's. When my son was 4, his IQ was tested at 165. Quite the genius with a knack for remembering a lot of information. Of course knowing all the Pokemon and Yu-gi-oh cards ever made may seem silly to some, but that was his thing. Now its movie quotes, music and technology. Of course being on the spectrum and being mainstreamed in a school system that was ill equipped, academics were a challenge, as were some social situations. I wouldnt trade him for anything in this world!
Studies and research on Aspergers shows that despite recent media hype, those with Aspergers do not have violent tendencies, they tend to be victims rather than victimizers. Criminals of violent crimes who happened to have Aspergers also had other psychiatric disorders which do present with "tempers" and violent behavior.
Unlike those diagnosed with ASD that may be lower on the spectrum and tend to be selectively social, my son is social and very well liked. Far from perfect, but a perfectly capable young man. He works hard at his job and at home as the man of the house. From menial chores to being the most amazing big brother to his sister Samaura who is a career high honor roll student, and his baby sister Jaylyn who happens to be special needs (also not "retarded"). When he was younger, I struggled to get Devon to do the simplest things on his own without prompting or reminders. Now he does this for himself and his baby sister as part of his routine. Jaylyn has been a major factor in Devon turning into an amazing young man. From the time I was pregnant, Devon accompanied me on many of my ultrasound appointments, painted my unreachable toes, and took over the chores I could no longer do. Since Jaylyn came home from the hospital, hes fed, dressed, bathed, changed, and tended to her medical needs like a pro. I couldnt ask for a better son and he will make some young lady proud to call him her husband. I consider myself fortunate that Devon has Aspergers. His attention to detail when it comes to his sisters is on point. If only it was that good with remembering to take the trash out lol. So stay classy people. If you have someone in your life on the autism spectrum, embrace their gifts! They are the most amazing people I have ever encountered!
