What a great forum. I wish I had something like this when my kids were younger!
My name is Adel. I'm 48. I have 3 children and 3 grandchildren. My oldest Jamie, is 27, she's the mother of my grandchildren. My son James is 25. He has Asperger's. My youngest daughter Cassidy is 22. She was born with hydrocephalus and has a VP shunt.
My oldest grandson (Jude) will be 5 in a few weeks. He has Asperger's as well. Watching my daughter deal with him is almost like living my son's childhood over again. Thankfully, she grew up dealing with her brother so I think she has a better understanding of her son's 'issues', lol! Back when James was little, Asperger's wasn't even recognized. We went from doctor to doctor trying to figure out what was wrong with him. They all had different ideas ranging from ADD to bad parenting. We had two fairly 'normal' well behaved daughters so we knew our parenting wasn't all that bad! Of course we questioned ourselves though. I am so thankful my daughter isn't having to deal with the same uncertainty. Even though she has those horrible days where she doesn't know if she'll ever survive Jude's childhood, at least she knows deep down, his problems aren't because of the way she parents him!
I just want all of you Aspie Mom's to know there's hope. I had so many "why the heck does he do that" days, so many days when I wondered if I'd survive his childhood, so many days when I worried about his future, Yes, he was a challenge (lordy, what an understatement) but I wish you could see him now. He drives (I never thought we'd be able to trust him behind the wheel of a lawn mower, much less a car) he has a decent job, he dates and he plays drums in a heavy metal band! He does still have some issues. He's horrible with money, he rarely gets anywhere on time (although he's getting better) he still has a short temper (that's improving as well) and he can talk about a certain subject (whatever his current obsession is) until you think your ears may bleed...It doesn't look like that will ever get better though, lol! I'm hoping his zombie movie obsession will be over soon.FYI, If any of you are having zombie troubles feel free to PM me, I've become an expert. :::sigh:::: ...and I thought his tornado phase was bad!