Hope is Essential

When a parent first sees that diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome (AS) it can be heart wrenching. In past years professionals openly disseminated such untruths as people with AS "probably won't marry" and "probably will not be able to hold down a job." In recent years these stereotypes have begun to fade. What has replaced them is not necessarily better: "he'll probably just grow out of it" and "she just needs to learn how to do what she is told." In the past, parents often became depressed upon hearing the diagnosis, but now they can also become depressed when their children do not "just grow out of it."

Raising a child with AS can be a challenge, but there are many success stories out there. Obviously, those who are successful do not attract as much attention as those who are not; but it is essential to live in hope. Every child deserves a chance to succeed to the best of his or her ability and, with the right help, they will.

The Asperger Society is dedicated to providing that help. This blog is intended to serve as an informational resource for parents and adults with AS. If you have a resource or an approach that worked for you and/or your child please email it to us and we will post a link, contact information, and possibly your email here.