Thank you all for all the infomation. It's good that we can all learn, since knowledge leads to understanding on all levels. Thank you again!

Treehugger (and others who may be interested, of course): The book on Aspergers I mentioned is called "A Parent's Guide to Asperger Syndrome & High Functioning Autism" (How to meet the challenges and help your child thrive
It's by Sally Ozonoff, PhD
Geraldine Dawson, PhD
James McPartland

I had many lightbulb moments with this book and have a highlighter attached to it so I can refer back, and so I can get dh to read it someday.

I mentioned in another post, and will mention it again, that in the August 2006 Readers Digest a mom writes about her 10 year old autistic son. It echoes what I put in my post about not trying to "fix" our kids, but enjoying them for who they are. Pg 137, entitled "Boy Wonder". At the end of the article, it refers you to www.rd.com/autism to find out more on autism.

I hope this will help either allay your fears or give you a few lightbulbs, if it pertains, to why our kids behave the way they do. It's really helped me be more patient and try to relate to him in the terms he needs. I need the same for DH!!!!!!!! Is there a good book on how to relate to a man that will actually work? Lord knows, they won't try to do research on how to relate to us! "Here, honey, I'll do some relatin'. Slip into this black negligee and follow me into the bedroom..." :

dont know if my story helps but here it is for what its worth.

Both my sons are ASD and James has Aspergers.

First I dont think of it as a disease, its not an illness to me its a state of being if you like.

Depending on the degree of Autism and there are many the children can be thought life skills (or a substitute for common sense) that can help them makes sense of their world and get along better. Bukt only if they want too or can (James is a classic example of someone who doesnt want to)

High Functioning Autistics can (usually) be self supporting and live a good life, some need more assistance than others though, its a very individual thing.

You also must be careful not to "straightjacket" these children too because that could damage their creativity and unique talents. Many of our "geniuses" throughout the ages have exhibitied some forms of autistic behaviour and if we medicate our children to help them behave to current "norms" of behaviour we take the risk of damaging that which makes so special.

at the end of the day, I would honestly say read all you can, listen to all the experts and the advice they offer then go in to a quiet place or room, take your time, listen to what your heart tells you to do You may not fully realize it but you are your childs best expert and you wont let them down.

JMVHO

Annr