Our Aspergers Teenage Boy

Cathy posted about Autism Awareness Day and DanceDiva shared the information with her Dad’s wife who , "wants to know what your secret is?" I replied:

Never quit no matter how tired.
Trust your gut over the professionals. (They are guessing too.)
Research. Research. Research.
Never lunge over the table at an IEP as if you were going to strangle the idiot on the other side (it results in a much larger, lengthier IEP the next go around).
Trial and error. Lots of error.
If its not working, turn it upside-down; there might be a label.
Remember that no two people are the same and there is no checklist or cookie cutter solution that can be applied.
Take breaks for yourself.

And most importantly (I mean MOST), develop a system of support for BOTH you and the child that includes friends, family, and professionals (doctors, teachers, support groups, advocacy groups,…)

Oh, and Valium or Vicodin whenever you can get your hands on it.
[Source]

I should have probably added "lots of luck" and made a note that although we are blogging about Tommy’s successes right now that he still faces many challenges. There are concerns about whether or not he has the independent living skills needed to make it in college (or even outside of the house). He still has ticks that would be worse without our constant nagging…how will those affect him in the real world? He has his quirks…a little of something has to be left with everything (particularly food); a candy bar has one last bite; a box of chocolates has one last piece; etc. Finishing is not a strong suit. Hygiene is always a concern (but isn’t it with most teens?). The list goes on. Tommy is on a good path and that makes me happy. But there was a time, the world thought he would be institutionalized (or group homed) for most of his life. So, yes, luck played a part.

Read what Tommy’s mother, Cathy, had to say.