We are looking into starting a floortime/DIR approach with both of our boys. I have been thinking about it and feel this is the best way for our family. But as I look more into it, the more I realize the approach may be just as much for me as it is the boys.

As I think about it, I wonder how well this approach would work for ASD parents of NT kids as well. The fundamentals are getting down on the child’s level to get meaningful interaction. I’ve been told that this modality will be difficult for me because I inherently, through my Asperger’s, have a hard time with interaction. While I don’t agree that all people with Asperger’s have this problem, I do know my playskills are quite limited. I never did much typical play as a child.

Could this be a way to help an Autistic adult learn to give the interaction many children crave? I’m not talking about all adults, but those who want to learn, it seems like a viable outlet. I will think on this more, but wanted to put my musings out there.

I hate having to do this, but after searching and searching, I feel it is needed. I have had people ask me some worthwhile resources for parents on the spectrum. I’ve also been doing my best to find reliable sources to draw from to help build some concrete articles. Instead, what I’ve found is not only inaccurate, in many cases, down right brutal. Take an excerpt from an article in USAToday from 2007

Though professionals use the same diagnostic criteria, interpretations make for wide disparities in diagnosis. Ami Klin, head of the Yale Developmental Disabilities Clinic, says some people may have family members with autism-spectrum disorders and exhibit features of Asperger’s, such as “social deficits and a great deal of rigidities,” but these traits are not tantamount to the diagnosable condition.

Forming close friendships and dating run counter to Asperger’s adults’ goals, colleague Tsatsanis says; Klin says he has never known a parent with Asperger’s.

Bryna Siegel, director of the Autism Clinic at the University of California-San Francisco, concurs that an Asperger’s parent would be rare, and she knows of just one short-lived marriage. Recently she does more “un-diagnosing” than diagnosing, she says.

Most if not all have also heard of FAAAS and CADD (or the Cassandra Effect) that suggests that Asperger’s partners (and parents) deprive their partners of affection. As well, it is said we apparently seek out socialites in hopes of them being our mentor. [An aside. They should really meet my husband to see how he works into their frame work. He's hardly social!] Even Tony Attwood has in previous conferences suggested we are abusive, leave our children embarrassed or unloved, and that our children will hate us.

From my experience with my children, and the few Asperger’s parents I’ve met, this is in no way accurate. I’m sure there are people within our group that are this way, as there are neurotypical people who are also abusive and neglectful. To characterize us, in my humble opinion, as liars [USA Today], neglectful [FAAAS] and abusive [Attwood], is not only cold and heartless, but also cruel and hurtful.

(to be continued….)

Are Aspie/Autie families on the rise? It’s a current fascination of mine. Obviously, to me, having made this site, I do believe there are enough of us out there. Even the other day, two Aspie’s from a prominent ASD forum made us aware of their new bundle of joy. Just the search of “Aspie Family” brings up hits. While there are only a few that are relevant, it does have me thinking.

As our means of communication changes, does that mean we are able to meet and reproduce? Now, I know, many Aspies and HF Auties have gone on to get married and have kids. But does the internet give rise to those of us who may not have been so lucky? My husband (ADHD) and I met in a video game. These other two Aspies, I believe, met on the aforementioned message board.

With this focus away from brawn and beauty, (though, I doubt any of us would say our spouse isn’t pleasing to look at) towards brain and connection, are we setting ourselves up to adapt and procreate?

I happen to enjoy my Aspie/Autie family. While we do like “together time,” we don’t need to actively participate together to feel connected. Such as now, I’m on my computer, the husband is playing Final Fantasy, and our kiddos are in bed, presumably asleep. Even if they were awake, we may all be doing separate things, but together.

This does not mean we don’t have that personal participation together. Earlier tonight we put ornaments on the Christmas tree. Other times, we may sit and cuddle very closely (as none of us like light touch) to watch TV. We don’t even participate in much “chit chat.” Only when we need to get something out do we tend to converse a whole lot.

Well, except for S, he chatters all the time. It’s a constant bombardment of dialog about what he’s doing, if he can do it, and what he wants to do it. I’ve gotten to where I can tune it out, but my husband isn’t quite so lucky. That’s a totally different topic though. So I will leave you with the question posed. Are Aspie/Autie families on the rise? (See poll.)

There is obviously a lot of work needed on this site. I do however hope to have everything up and running within a month. I do have to admit though, I need help to get this started. I’m hoping to find some person or people who would be willing to help me.

Namely, right now, I’m hoping to find resources and links to include on this page. I know just how hard it is to find resource for ASD parents. For now, I would like to see options for people seeking education resources, especially homeschooling and how to deal with your child’s teacher.

The purpose of this site is for parents to join together whether or not you have ASD children. This does not mean, ASD or NT children, NT parents of ASD kids or ASD adults with no kids are not welcome. The primpary goal is support and resources for those of parents with ASDs.