As I think back about when my first born was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome I wanted answers and I wanted to understand him better. I also contemplated talking to him about it and looked for books that could help me in that department. I knew how to explain it to others if I wanted to and I understood the measures that I had to take, but I didn’t know how to tell him. I needed help as a mom because afterall, I don’t know all the answers or resolutions to everything. I wanted to do it a way that he didn’t feel “different” or “inferior” but if he did I could remind him that it’s okay and that I would always be right by his side.
Clarabelle Van Niekerk & Liezl Venter did an amazing job at providing the reader with a glimpse of a child who has Asperger’s but wasn’t yet diagnosed in the selection, “Understanding Sam and Asperger’s Syndrome”. After reading this book I cried my heart out as a mom because I knew many people would not know how to deal with my child. Many people are not educated with the facts about Autism and Asperger’s. The spectrum is so very broad that many don’t understand the different characteristics. Many may perceive a child with Asperger’s as being “rude”, “obnoxious”, “spoiled” or even “bratty” but this is not the case. It’s the way they deal with the world and situations that make them stand apart from the rest.
When I read this book I had even more of a deeper understanding of my son. I walked away with a wealth of information. There were times when he would complain his sock was bothering him in his sneaker and it could be as simple as the seam not properly aligned that would make him uncomfortable. He would often play the same game or video over and over again and would never get sick of it. Repeating a commercial or a book like, “Goodnight Moon” verbatim was a regular for him.
This book was the beginning of me seeking out answers and demanding more in the public school systems for my son. It pushed me to advocate more for my son and get him what he needed and what he deserves! As a mother with a child who has been diagnosed with a mild case of Asperger’s I was able to relate to this story. I wanted to share this selection with my MommyTeaches readers so if you are going through the same struggles, it can help you as a parent and explain it to your child when you’re ready. I haven’t spoken to my son about his diagnosis just yet, but when I do this book will definitely be the first we read together.
Care to share: Has your child faced a struggle and have you used a book to help guide you through your situation?
Thank you for share, as you said you never know who you could be helping by sharing 🙂