We still have days of tragedy and days of triumph. The AS is part of who our son is, not something he has. We are learning to treasure him for who he is, enjoy his strengths, and help him navigate the “NT” (neurotypical) world. It is difficult to be the nurturer, translator, advocate, and protector on top of all the other roles I have--including work, spouse, and mother to another child. I am often fatigued, cranky, short tempered.
P. has been greatly helped by appropriate medication, prescribed by a psychiatrist who is a specialist in autistic spectrum disorders. He also consults with our school on issues relating to P.’s AS.
He idolizes his teacher. She really seems to understand him and provides the conditions he needs to succeed. The major impediments to his classroom function are his poor handwriting and the frustration he has with it and his perfectionism.
At school, P receives O.T. for handwriting/fine motor skills as well as to help him with sitting still at meeting times. He also works with the school psychologist on social stories and relaxation strategies.
Our largest struggle now is the relationship P. has with his younger brother, E. It is often volatile and E. is often the instigator. He is socially savvy and at age 4 knew his brothers’ buttons and how to push them.
