“People treat me differently. People ignore me. They think I’m stupid and don’t want to spend time with me. I don’t know why they treat me differently, and why they think I’m different. I’m very smart, very nice, and I like people. I hold doors open for them and they never ever say thank you. I don’t like loud noises or places–they make me feel very uptight and overwhelmed.
I wish they treated me better.”
This is an excerpt from a note, written by a young teenager, who has Aspergers. It has been modified a bit, but this is how he feels in this world. And he doesn’t understand why he’s treated this way. He questions this all the time.
He’s kind, thoughtful, giving, uber intelligent, handsome, loving, tall, has a beautiful and kind heart, and just wants to feel like he’s a part of the world. He doesn’t. He doesn’t have a friend he can call to come over and hang out with. We are his friends. He’s happy. But wants to be connected. Have friends. Laugh more. Live more. Be a part of it all.
This, is my son.
This is how he feels, every day, and wrote this to me one day a few months ago. He’s happy, but often, he feels lonely. He wants to be wanted, not just by us.
Today is National Autism Awareness Day, and so, that makes it National Aspergers Awareness day. How ridiculous, that there’s such a day. Shameful.
So today, as for every day henceforth, I ask you, to change your interpretation, change your mindset, and become a better person, and be aware, receptive, responsive and respectful to those around you, No-Matter-What.
One day, our son is going to make a difference in your world, and in the world of those you know, those you don’t know yet, and in the world of your children, and children’s children. Treat people with respect. Understand that we are all different, and that we all have many things to contribute.
Be kind. Always. Love everyone, and recognize that everyone around you is special. Everywhere. Everyday.
My practice began 11 years ago because of my son, and to him, I am grateful, because now I also get to help other families and offer support, techniques and strategies in helping them to manage their days with their Aspergers’ loved ones. Every day’s a challenge, but every day is also a gift.
Thank you, son, for enriching my life, allowing me to enrich yours, and for allowing us both to enrich the lives to others’.
I love you. Always, and Forever. Forever.
If you’re a parent, sister, brother, caregiver, relative, boss, or friend of someone who has Aspergers, I salute you, remind you that I know you are doing the best you can, with what you have, at this, very moment in time, and that you, and they, are wonderful, blessed, and that everything will be fine.
XO
I am not only the mother of an Aspergers child, but I’m an Aspergers support Coach. If you would like Aspergers Support, please connect with me at 416-576-5881, or at lauren@laurenmillman.com.
