I have been asked by some parents how I deal with having two children, one who is “normal” and the other that has been diagnosed with Aspergers. I really do understand the question and I have an answer, but I offer this. The word normal is very damaging in my opinion. Every child is a normal child, regardless of the fact that they are on or off the spectrum.
Think about it this way. Zachary is an athletic, solid little boy who loves to be outside playing hard, riding his scooter, running around and having fun. He is an old school boy and we will have to watch him closely as he gets older. He has little to no interest in computers or technology although he loves to play on the ipad and watch his brother use the computer. Zachary is smart, but not MENSA smart like Eli. How will Zach fare in school? I think he will have to work hard at school where Eli is just naturally academically gifted.
My point is that every kid is different. Aspergers makes Eli special and perfect. I wouldn’t want him any other way. I couldn’t imagine him any other way. Zachary is amazing and I love him as well, love playing hard with him, rough housing, and being outdoors with him. He will be my camping buddy. In other words, I take the best of each kid and love them for who they are and hope that they will grow up to be successful. Eli will be some sort of engineer, Zach will be a general. Either way. I love them equally!
Normal is just who they both are.
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