What I hope to accomplish by this post is that a parent, teacher, etc. would see this and bells start going off. Maybe I can provide some comfort to a mother whom has a child just like mine, and give comfort because our children are similar. Perhaps I may give some insight to a grandparent so that they can further understand what is Autism or Aspergers Syndrome Disorder.

I picture myself a mother hen, sitting on my eggs and protecting them carefully. As a mom, I feel it is my job to teach my children about spirituality, moral ethics, and how to be the best grownup they can be.

In the beginning of all this I wish I new who or where to go for answers. Both Jacob and I shed many years of tears together in frustration and pain. You know when your child hurts, you hurt too? Its like a part of your body is being ripped off of you.

I always knew Jacob was marching to the beat of his own drum, he was quirky, but I also knew that underlying, he had some type of disorder. I did not know where to find the answers I was seeking. I just though if perhaps if I just found a label to know what to call his personality, I would feel better. Many parents that I interacted with really had no idea what I was describing. Even the teachers really had no clue of where I should turn for answers, or even if there was a problem. I am sure many other adults around me thought I was making a mountain over a mole hill or Jake was just misbehaving and pushing my buttons.

I knew I wasn't imagining these characteristics (although sometimes I found myself second guessing myself). I already had an older child to compare Jacob to, and I treated him the same way as an infant.

Finally I found out through my perseverance, and my perseverance only, what all these bits and pieces meant. How all these different quirks (pieces) of Jacob fit together and make him-Jacob (like the puzzle pieces you see in the Autism logo). Why he does certain things, why he reacts a certain way, and what exactly is the "label". The more I dig into this and teach myself about this syndrome, the better Jacob and I can cope. However, just when I think I got it all figured out, another symptom or issues appear that needs to be dealt with.

SOME PEOPLE THINK:

• "He's rude"
• "He isn't trying hard enough"
• "He will grow out of it"
• "There is not anything wrong, he is just a typical boy"

WE KNOW:

• This is a REAL neurological disorder
• Currently there is no cure, but there are treatments
• Aspergers Syndrome is often misdiagnosed
• High Functioning Autism and Aspergers are the same

WHAT I WANT TO TELL PEOPLE IS:

We as parents are not just over protective. Aspergers Syndrome is real disorder. Early diagnosis is pertinent so the child can get the best treatment. There are ways to help!