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Hi there,

My name is Amy, and I have recently found out that my 4-year-old son is hyperlexic and on the spectrum. We knew that he was pretty extraordinary from a very young age, but we only recently suspected autism when he didn't seem to be "outgrowing" his difficulties with things like transitions, sensory sensitivities, pragmatic language, and social interaction.

From the time we started suspecting autism, I began doing research. Up until now, the stuff I've read has been written mainly by "experts" and parents of kids on the spectrum. I've started to become extremely frustrated to the extremely behaviorist approach to autism and the focus on getting kids to resemble "normal" kids as quickly as humanly possible, rather than really understanding them with the purpose of connecting with them, understanding the way they think, and helping them navigate a neurotypical world.

I realized that what I really need to do in order to best understand and help my son is to talk to people like him and figure out how they feel kids on the spectrum need to be treated and how their caregivers can best help them grow and learn and love themselves. So that's why I'm here.

I look forward to learning from you all!

-Amy

Welcome to WP!

Greetings, and welcome to the Wrong Planet, Amy.

Hi Amy.
That's very intelligent, and well thought out. Zeppelin-sized kudos to you. Most people would not think that way. The name of this site is "Wrong Planet" and for a good cause. Most of us here would concur we're wired differently, and its a huge relief to get with people who operate on the same frequency... or at least accept us like we are, and allow us breathing room to let down guards and be ourselves. Speaking of "Wrong Planet," let's say that visitors from "another planet" actually were to visit earth (in comparison of being on the "Wrong Planet"), people of Earth would not insist those visitors must look human, must be human in every conceivable aspect, would they? Or would they expect differences, and respect differences?

But it seems that's how the game is usually played. Expecting everybody to think and act and dress and behave the same. Either the Autism community must assimilate in every shape, fashion, meme... or get the blackball, social ostracization treatment. Wish there were more open-minded people like yourself in the world.

Welcome.

Hi HippoPiratesMom!

You do realize that you might get some adoption requests here? I would love to have such an understanding mother as you! Your son is very wise in his choice of parents.

You could listen to Temple Grandin's videos (they are easily found on YouTube), if you haven't come across them yet. Temple Grandin grew up with autism - language delay, sensory sensitivity, the lot - and now she is a highly successful professor at a university, and a respected speaker about what autistic children need. I recommend this one (nearly an hour and a half - lots of insights):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wt1IY3ffoU

Welcome to WrongPlanet, and welcome to my time warp.

Thank you all for the warm welcome. AspieForty- I really appreciate your comments and your insight. one-A-N - Thank you very much for the link! I started watching the video last night and I'm already learning so much!

Welcome, HippoPiratesMom!

Hello Amy, welcome, enjoy your stay on the Wrong Planet!

To WrongPlanet!! !