Okay I have been interested in Asperger's BEFORE some girl made it famous on America's Next Top Model. It's a syndrome that's on the Autistic spectrum if you've never heard of it. I recenty read a book that I picked out for one reason: the author is an awesome writter and I've been reading her books for years. It's called house rules by Jodi Picoult. My eye's were RE-opened to the fact that SO many family's have children with this affliction. I don't even like saying that. Is affliction the term that I would want used if my loved one had Aspergers? But I really think people should place an order to check it out at their local library. I bought mine at Wal-mart. I was lucky to find it-on;y because someone put it in the magazine. It was probably picked up and then at second thought instead of re-placing it back to it correct spot-it was just left in the wrong one. Sometimes you shouldn't feel guilty for putting things on end caps or stuffing that candle in between the toilet paper:)
The author is know to do extesive reshearch on subject matter pertaining to her books. I don't mean she goes and opens up medical journals for "facts". She sits with families and people who themselves have Asperger's
Why am I writing about this? I don't think people realize and are accepting of others. They don't have an idea of what makes them....well them. I learned a new word stimming. The fluttering of hands. The best way I can imagine (because I have never known anyone with Asperger's or Autism) is them playing a piano in air, at their side, or were ever their fancy strikes. They do this as a way of stimulation or venting? I think it might even be soothing. In times of feeling overwhelmed, they tend to do this. It makes them feel better. I love learning about people and their feelings- no matter the difference between my own. Physical and mental differances strike my fancy. I don't have any knd of "calling" in life but there is something in me that makes me think that I should be working with people to help with these needs. LIke a nanny, nurse, teacher, something in customer service maybe. Social worker or swim instructor? Wait I can only doggy paddle! Like I said I don't know but reading this book makes me want to put a sign on my forehead that says I will halp you and won't hurt you loved one. This life of having an Autistic child is profound to say the least. It's impact wider than any crator here on earth. Well what would I know.
It's hotly debated that Autism is brought on (yes some say it can be prevented!) by immunization shots. In short I a not going to debate the two sides-neither does this book. It did bring a strong feeling of this to my attention-I think some people have a higher predisposition to Autism. Just like alcoholism. Yes it's hereditary too. Immunizations in my final thought will be spread apart when administered to my next. Then again I highly doublt I will be worring about the next one.Anyways-read the book! You'll come away smater, better prepared, and aware.
