After months (or even years) of speculating, you’ve finally received a diagnosis for your child: Autism Spectrum Disorder with a high level of functioning, formerly known as Asperger’s Syndrome. It’s comforting to have a name for her unique behaviors but nonetheless your world has been turned upside down. The big question that looms over your head: will my Asperger’s child be okay?
The short answer: Yes.
The longer answer:
- You are not alone: According to the CDC, about 1 in 54 children fall somewhere on the Autism Spectrum (https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html). That means we are frequently (and sometimes unknowingly!) coming into contact with people on the spectrum in our everyday lives. Most of us know at least one person with Asperger’s: our coworker, neighbor, the mailman, or bank teller. You are not alone!
- Having a diagnosis can be helpful: Now that you have a name for your child’s unique behaviors, this can serve as validation for the differences you already knew were there. Now you can read research, study books, begin to recognize Asperger’s in TV and movies, and seek resources such as Individualized Education Plans to help your child be successful.
- People with Asperger’s are passionate: People with Asperger’s are known for having special interests, or a particular topic in which he or she is the expert. Star Wars, dinosaurs, dump trucks, ballet, the possibilities are endless! These unique interests make your child more passionate and knowledgeable about certain subjects than even most neurotypical adults.
- Asperger’s brings skills to the workplace: People on the Autism spectrum are known for performing tasks that require attention to detail and patterns especially well. Asperger’s can also contribute to sustained interest in repetitive tasks, making them especially suited to certain jobs (see below).
- Careers that may be uniquely suited to Asperger’s: Autism Parenting Magazine suggests the following jobs are great choices for people with Asperger’s: computer programming, photography, mechanic, accountant, physicist, mathematician, and animal trainer, to name a few. (https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/best-autism-jobs-and-careers/).
- Companies are implementing autism hiring initiatives: Microsoft, Ford, Ernst and Young, Walgreens, Home Depot, and AMC, among others, all have programs to actively recruit individuals on the Autism spectrum due to the unique skillset they bring to the workplace.
Just remember: you are not alone. If you need additional support, services, parenting tips, and more, be sure to schedule an appointment with a licensed therapist at Dandelion Family Counseling today!
References:
www.autismparentingmagazine.com/best-autism-jobs-and-careers/
www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html
O’Toole, J. (2012). Asperkids: An insider’s guide to loving, understanding, and teaching children with asperger syndrome. Philadelphia, PA: Jessica Kingsley Publishers