An Aspie Family

We are an Aspie family. What does that mean? Well, our 27 year old blessing here on earth has Asperger's Syndrome, which is a high-functioning form of Autism. You can read about how we always knew something wasn't quite right and her diagnosis here. Life with her is at times frustrating, challenging, and hilarious. You can read more about what I mean here. 

People with Asperger's use more of their brain, but aren't able to process all the information they are receiving and it overwhelms them. The picture was taken from a 60 minutes interview in 2011. You can read more about brain HDFT scans here.

What causes Asperger's is still a mystery. Genetics plays a part, as does exposure to viruses and chemicals. With DD, we know genetics play a part, because one of nephews has it as well as my youngest BIL. The common link between the three is that all three had problems at birth. I do know that DD's symptoms really started after her scheduled 5 year old well-visit for her to get last vaccines before starting school. Coincidence? I don't know for sure, but it makes me wonder.

With her diagnosis coming when she was in her late 20's, we are still learning what it means to be an Asperger's family. The amazing thing, for me, is that we were using a lot of the suggestions and coping methods with her that are recommended. I am not sure how that came about other than may my educational courses I took in college kicked in without me realizing it. 

We are learning to make adjustments, mostly in our way of thinking. The things we use to think were acts of defiance or making things difficult are just the difference in the way we perceive things and the ways she perceives things. We are learning to let go of preconceived notions and let things develop the way they need to. We have eased off on things we needed too, but still stress things that will help her cope with the world and people around her. We are learning we don't have to make excuses over the way she does things. She is just being herself. We are finding that fine line between when to push her past her comfort zone and when it really isn't important. We are learning to advocate for her and her needs. 

In many ways, Asperger's defines who we are as a family and will always be a part of our life as a family. We know that the things we dreamed of happening when DD grew up, may never happen and that is okay. Our future and DD's future is in the Lord's hands. He has a plan for our lives. For it to work, we need to just get out of the way to let it happen as He wills it. All it takes is a little simple faith!