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STL Today

Kids with social autism need understanding from peers


By Amy Dickinson
TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES
10/29/2006
 

Dear Amy: I had tears in my eyes when I read the letter to you from the sophomore girl who had unintentionally made friends with a "weird" kid in high school and didn't know how to handle it.

My son is a freshman in high school and could be described in a very similar manner. He's the "weird" kid. He has Asperger's syndrome, often described as social autism. Kids who are affected are incredibly bad at picking up social cues that everyone else figures out on their own, at a very early age. In our particular instance, my boy has no interest in other people and only interacts with others when he needs something. He truly does not understand the needs that most people (especially girls) have to be social.

I know that others view my son as weird and strange, even though he has a tremendous IQ. I try not to let it bother me, as it truly doesn't bother him. But other kids with this affliction want to have friends but don't know how.

I admire this girl for at least having the courage to be nice to this boy — most high schoolers are so worried about what other people think that they won't break away from the herd and do the right thing.


I heard from many mothers of Asperger's kids, who described the syndrome as you do and also wanted to offer the letter writer encouragement and support.

It costs nothing to be kind, but kindness is a special currency. Once you spend it, it has a way of being returned to you — with interest.

 

 

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