I’ve always sort of thought the terms “normal” and “typical” are code for BORING. So maybe my problem with the term “NT” is that I don’t want to be that way.

I see a lot said about the “ability” to mirror society. To me, society isn’t attractive and I don’t want to mirror it. I want to counter-balance this notion that we’re all supposed to think and behave alike (i.e., be typical). I’m fully aware of not being attractive to society. Others have no interest in sharing activities with me any more than I have with them (I used to, but not any longer now that I know how they think). It’s ironic that people would say I am anti-social when I was the one reaching out to others → going to social events, inviting acquaintances over for coffee, calling others on the phone, etc. All I found “those” people doing was “acting social” but not being so, since they would not keep their word. For example, I can’t count how many times I was told by someone she would want to get together with me for coffee or lunch, but then I’d never hear from her. When someone disregards her words said to me, I lose respect for her. People may excuse that by saying, “It’s not that simple.” My response would be, “Yes, it is.”

The parent who does not feel ill-prepared to parent properly most likely is. I TOTALLY understand the feeling of being just a mere mortal, so yes, you do make sense. Because we’re right where God wants us, He will bless our endeavors. I can see that now by the way that my children have grown up. The world would not be impressed, since it judges by standards like impressive careers. Food, shelter, clothing, and good health are necessary; the rest is blown out of proportion. God is pleased and so am I. My daughter and son have what counts → love and integrity; plus, they are content with what they have and who they are.

Darcy, remember that your great and wonderful son, who is still a little soul, will one day grow up to be a magnification of what you see now. He will be greater and even more wonderful, because that’s what love does.

You and I are both alike in that we don’t want to offend anyone by the way we use our terms. I’m sorry if I mislead you with what I wrote in my previous comment. I didn’t think your point was directly related to what I posted. I caused confusion because of including a similar train of thought meant for other eyes to read.

Even though I already knew you would understand about what I’m trying to do in regard to sorting out Aspergers and Autism, not everyone else is willing to. Thank you ever so much for letting me know that you too feel the need to explain yourself constantly!!!! It’s called kindness.

I do understand what you are trying to do with your investigation into Aspergers and Autism. My point was completely a side-bar not really relating directly to what you posted! I often feel weird about using the term “high functioning autism” and want to explain it as much as I can in terms of how I use it and how it relates to my child. I don’t want to offend anyone by using the term, which again explains my need to explain myself constantly!

And in terms of NT (I always think that term is so weird - I don’t think there is such thing as “typical”) moms paying attention to physical vs. emotional environments for their NAT kids; for me at least, I try so dang hard to pay attention to both. It’s hard, though, because I know my son needs much from me, and there are times I feel very ill-prepared to parent him properly. I feel as though I’ve been given this great, wonderful little soul to shepherd through life, and I’m just a mere mortal. Sometimes I am completely out of my league, if that makes sense.

Anyway, thanks for your kind words.

Darcy

All moms should be able to relate to having a hard time with people who talk about their son or daughter as if they know him or her better than that child’s mother does. I’m not sure I understand what you mean by, “I’ll give you the issues with the DSM and all of that,…”

I hope people can see that I want to constructively investigate Aspergers in relation to Autism more deeply without haste. I’m excited to learn about this as much as I can, but at the same time, I have to be patient with what I write so I don’t have to do any more editing than necessary. I already know I have my plate full in that area already.

Thank you for your thoughtful words said about my writing. I’ll need to hang onto everyone’s words of encouragement as I slowly travel back through what I’ve written that may need some revising.

To the general public:

It’s easy to misunderstand what someone is saying. It is wise to ask when you’re not sure. It is foolish to make assumptions, especially when misjudgments are made without fully comprehending what is written. ← [I try to remind myself of these words too.]

I don’t know why people tell me I’m a good writer, because I’m not so sure how well I express myself. The way I perceive someone who is on the autism spectrum, or being referred to as PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified), or is an Aspie, or is Neurotypical… is all the same way→ we are all human beings; no particular population or individual is better than another.

So I don’t disagree with you, and while I would never use “high functioning autism” as synonymous with “Asperger’s,” I do see at least some (one?) occasions where the term is useful.

Interesting post, as always!