The Weird Stuff

I named the blog "Loving My "Sort Of" Autistic Son" because according to the Arizona Government, Aspergers doesn't really count. I can not get help with Social Skills groups, insurance to cover what his first insurance won't, and other resources that could help Dominic. There is some debate as to whether Aspergers is Autism, if Aspergers is the same thing as 'high functioning autism', or if it's a separate issue altogether. I've heard that this diagnosis is 'going away'. He can talk, he can move around, he can learn and is very intelligent. So most people would assume he is ok and doesn't have any problems.

He can not connect to people emotionally. He can not read people's emotions so he does not know when he has offended someone, hurt someone, or when that person does not want to play with him anymore. He is often in his own world, not hearing or seeing what is going on around him. He collects random things that most people wouldn't find interesting (rocks, plastic tabs from hangers, etc). He has many routines and becomes upset if he has to do things differently, or even just out of order. His clothing has to fit exactly with no tags, nothing sticking into him. If his pants fit in the hips but are a little loose in the waist he gets very irritated. He is obsessed with violence, preferring to play with violence, even at school. He has a hard time controlling his anger and aggression and often lashes out by hitting, kicking and throwing things. If he's in the middle of a story and gets interrupted he has to start over from the beginning; he is unable to pick up from middle. He has a near perfect memory that enables him to memorize tiny details. He's very descriptive in his memories, and able to remind me of things that happened when he was 2 or 3 years old. He is extremely literal, and doesn't understand sarcasm or other nuances of social language.He is extremely picky when it comes to food- not necessarily what he eats but the texture of it.

When Dominic is having a bad day the tiniest thing can set him off and start a tantrum. It's very difficult to know what is going to set him off or anger him because it changes day to day. If this happens in public I often get stares and even comments about how I can't control my child. They don't realize there is a reason for his behavior. There is nothing physically wrong with him, and you can't see mental issues by looking at a child. Everyone should keep that in mind when they see a child misbehaving in public. Maybe they are having a bad day, or they are hungry/tired/hot, or there is an underlying issue going on.

It's so easy to judge. To assume you know exactly what is going on. It's in our nature. But we still have the option to step back and make a different decision. :- )