I have a daughter with Asperger Syndrome. I love her dearly yet we definitely went through some rough years. She was older when she was finally diagnosed, so many years were filled with misunderstandings. I didn't know that she had AS, much less what types of Asperger treatment were available for her.
She recently turned 23. After some torturous years, we were both able to find an understanding of the complexity of Asperger Syndrome. I began to see the world as she sees it. I do have regrets for those early years. Failing to get her the Asperger treatment she so desperately needed did affect her sense of self esteem. We've spent many years working hard help my child feel good about herself and her abilities.
With any medical disorder, finding the proper information you need is vital. As they say, "knowledge is power". Knowing what Asperger treatments are available was the start of truly helping my daughter. Early intervention helps your child and your family. It can ultimately mean the difference with your child succeeding and fulfilling their potential.
From early on, I began noticing that my daughter was different from other children. She's my only child so I had no other direct reference point yet it was easy to see the problems she had with her socializing with her peers. It's normal for children that don't have other siblings to enjoy their alone time. They learn to entertain themselves yet my daughter could not interact with the other children at playtime. She would always go off and play by herself.
When I think back, there are some memories that definitely showed the signs of Asperger Syndrome that I overlooked at the time. For my daughter, her birthdays were days of torment for her. Most kids love their birthdays. They look forward to the birthday parties filled with cake and ice cream, spending time with their friends and all those wonderful presents. I would plan everything and even invite her entire classroom from school. And every single year, during the party she would either through a tantrum and or cry for hours without cause. I never understood. What I interpreted as bad behavior, was just her way of dealing with a bad situation for herself. You see, I didn't know that many children who have Asperger Syndrome can have sensory sensitivities. She was very sensitive to the noise and the physical situation of being around large groups of people. Her reactions were not uncommon for someone AS.
To this day, I admit that I still feel the regret that I had no understanding of her view of the world at that time. I regret that I hadn't gotten her the Asperger treatment that she needed. Parents today are luckier than what we were.
Today you can find so much information to explain what AS is and what Asperger treatments are available. I'm learning new things all the time, even now. I recently found a great reference tool online, it's "The Essential Guide To Asperger's Syndrome". I learned of some alternative treatments that my daughter is now using. It's nice to find a single reference that can give you the answers you need. In the end, we are all part of the Asperger Family.
You may feel that you are alone yet you are not. As a family, we offer each other counsel and a friendly ear when needed. Remember that early Asperger treatment will definitely help your child and give them the chance to find their own success. I wish blessings to you and your family.
Pepper Wiginton
http://www.aspergertreatment.net
rhinestonepepper@gmail.com
Skype ID- pepwig
704-557-0390
