In tonight's episode of Parenthood, Adam and Kristina tell Max that he has Asperger's Syndrome. I was practically crying just from seeing the preview. I know that I will need tissues tonight.
I still vividly remember telling my son about his Asperger's diagnosis. My son is even higher functioning than Max, but I still remember struggling to find the right words to explain Asperger's to a 10 year old. As it turns out, it was a good day. Andrew's reaction sort of surprised me. I told him after he had a meltdown that ended with him yelling, "What is wrong with me. Why do I have trouble doing...." Thankfully, I knew the day was coming. I had done a bunch of research and found a book called, 'Let Me Tell You About Asperger's." It's written at a kid level...a kid telling his friend's about his diagnosis. Andrew's reaction was pure relief. He had a reason for his difficulties and he had the right words to describe why he struggled. It gave him the power to understand himself and to explain himself to others (when needed). Obviously, life was not all sun and roses after that day, but telling Andrew did help a little. Now we battle trying to find the right line between understanding Asperger's is the reason for certain behaviors but not an excuse for lack of effort. Unfortunately, that is often a bigger struggle for adults who should mind their own business, than for us. For Andrew, we have simply said that everyone has strengths and weaknesses....and everyone has to TRY to overcome those weaknesses. While Asperger's is not an excuse for lack of effort, it is a valid reason for misunderstanding and certain reactions....whether some people want to believe it or not.
Anyway...I love this show.
Jess
I still vividly remember telling my son about his Asperger's diagnosis. My son is even higher functioning than Max, but I still remember struggling to find the right words to explain Asperger's to a 10 year old. As it turns out, it was a good day. Andrew's reaction sort of surprised me. I told him after he had a meltdown that ended with him yelling, "What is wrong with me. Why do I have trouble doing...." Thankfully, I knew the day was coming. I had done a bunch of research and found a book called, 'Let Me Tell You About Asperger's." It's written at a kid level...a kid telling his friend's about his diagnosis. Andrew's reaction was pure relief. He had a reason for his difficulties and he had the right words to describe why he struggled. It gave him the power to understand himself and to explain himself to others (when needed). Obviously, life was not all sun and roses after that day, but telling Andrew did help a little. Now we battle trying to find the right line between understanding Asperger's is the reason for certain behaviors but not an excuse for lack of effort. Unfortunately, that is often a bigger struggle for adults who should mind their own business, than for us. For Andrew, we have simply said that everyone has strengths and weaknesses....and everyone has to TRY to overcome those weaknesses. While Asperger's is not an excuse for lack of effort, it is a valid reason for misunderstanding and certain reactions....whether some people want to believe it or not.
Anyway...I love this show.
Jess
