Asperger's Pros and Cons.

For the Max Gamer comic release week, I wanted to acknowledge both the pros and cons of our Aspie heroes.  While Aspies are awesome, a downside should not be ignored...

The Yikes!

1. Change can be bad (try signaling change in advance and use calendars as much as possible - visuals are the key and routines can make life much easier).
2. Sensory issues are real (look for sensory friendly theaters, build sensory issues into 504 and IEP plans and feel free to cut those tags out of their shirts).
3. Middle School is scary (while our little professors are fun prior to the age of 8, other kids become annoyed with them sooner or later - social skills groups are the key).
4. Generalize! (I may learn something at home but not get it at school).  The trick is learning again and again in new situations and building a variety of scripts which apply across multiple settings.

The Awesomeness!

1. They are our little professors and let them have fun and socialize with family and friends.  Even around topics which may be above their heads including civil war history and paleontology.
2. Your computer ailing you?  Many of these guys can solve your computer problems and teach you new ways of computing.  Parents and neighbors, give them a chance!
3. Specific interests.  These girls and guys can point you to new horizons including the coolest new holiday toys (bay blades) and which star wars toys to purchase and which to avoid.
4. Aspies are unconditional love acceptors.  Show them their value, share their talents with others, and encourage them to pursue their dreams.  You will have an incomparable goal directed friend who will keep you ahead of everyone.  Examples:  http://www.wired.com/   http://www.geek.com/   http://blastr.com/

Frank Gaskill "Dr. G"