I saw this animated story of a real-life interview between Joshua and his mother on PBS TV this morning. Joshua has Asperger's Syndrome. He was born in Dorset, England, and he and his family moved to the United States soon after his diagnosis. When he was 9, Joshua became a member of MENSA.
His mother, Sarah Littman, is a journalist and an author of children's books. She describes children with Asperger's as "born without social genes." They can come across as eccentric, and often develop obsessions - in Joshua's case, animals.
When given the chance to interview his mother at a StoryCorps booth, Joshua eschewed the prepared questions that many participants rely on, and instead created his own. His questions touch on everything from his mother's past to how she really feels about him.
LINK: Joshua's Tough Questions for His Mother
1) What do you think of today's young people? Have they deteriorated?
2) How does getting married feel?
3) Do you think the U.S. is becoming a mess of a country?
4) Do you have any mortal enemies?
5) Have you ever felt that life is hopeless?
6) Are you scared that terrorists might attack?
7) Have you ever lied to me?
8) Is there anyone you wish were dead?
9) What do you think is the greatest country in the world?
10) Have you ever thought you couldn't cope with a child?
11) Do you think your life would be different without animals? (on a scale of 1-10)
12) Do you think a lot of people are sexist?
13) Why does it seem like everyone loves Amie [Joshua's sister, 9] more?
14) Have I met the expectations you had for me when I was born?
Please follow the link to the full story. There is a "Listen" button at the top of the page.
13 Dec 2015, 11:51 am
