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Subject: Greetings
from DeLand! Greetings, Pedro! I hope that this message greets you and your family in good health and spirits. Things have not been going to well for my family lately. One of my sons was recently diagnosed with Aperger's Syndrome. About two years ago we first learned that he had Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. My poor son, he has suffered so much pain. He just started coming to grips with his OCD. In most ways, nothing has changed-we now have a name for his problem. What has changed is our understanding of our son's problems. We have more patience now and a clearer understanding of what we need to do to help him. His problems started about two years ago, when his hormones first started kicking in. He was so stricken with the OCD that he almost became totally dysfunctional; from a straight A's gifted student to a boy who could no longer leave the house or go to school. His hands were blood red from over washing, due to his fear of contamination. Thank God, that after two years of intensive therapy and hard work, the OCD is mostly under control. The Asperger's affects the way my son relates to other people, particularly his peers. He is unable to process verbal and non-verbal communication the way most people do. He misreads other people's remarks, or he acts inappropriately in certain situations. The syndrome was listed as an "official" disorder just two years ago. Because he is so different he is teased and taunted by the kids at school. I average one meeting a week with either a therapist, counselor, teacher, or bus driver. My role is basically one of advocate, to help the people who are charged with my son's education understand him better, so they can t(r)each him more effectively. My wife and I have to stay on top of our son, as small things escalate fairly quickly with him. In many ways, I consider my son as being heroic. The progress that he has made is amazing. The way that he has dealt with his exceptional challenges is inspirational. He is a bright, loving boy, who is determined to be successful. He is driven by the desire to represent the underdog. I know in my heart, that he will be successful as an adult and make a difference to those he touches. It may seem odd, but many of my son's most outstanding qualities have been shaped by the challenges that he faces. He is brilliant, creative, and focused (in those things that interest him). I wouldn't trade him for anyone else in the world (most of the time). My two other sons are very good with their brother. They (we all) loose patience with him sometimes, but they always remain his best friends. Needless to say, I must steal the time that I have for my art. It brings me pleasure and peace of mind, it is a form of therapy for me. I will write to you at a later date about other matters. Warm Regards, .......... Dan............. |
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