Like all human beings, you have likely done or said hurtful things to your child out of frustration or exasperation. This is typical of any parent, not just the parent of a child with Asperger's. But have you found yourself in a rut? Do you still see the glass as half empty? You may find yourself asking, “Why me?” Your frustration may stem from your child's limitations or your own challenge to cope day to day. You may wish your child would “snap out of it” and get with the “program.” Shouldn't your child figure out how to fit in and make a go of it, just like anyone else who's ever had any kind of challenge in life? This question may be answered with another question that will prompt some self-reflection: What do you think your child has been doing all this time?

Your child has a great desire to give back to you and others. If you are a parent who has been blocked by myths and stereotypes, you may well have missed the times your child has reached out to you. It can be very subtle and may come when you least expect it, like the child who made his dad a leading character in his hand-drawn comic strips.

Most parents simply want their child to be happy. Your child has a lot to offer you as well as the rest of the world; and he has every reason to assume his rightful place in the world and be recognized for his contributions. The two most important things you can do for your child with Asperger's are to value, encourage, and indulge his most passionate interests (with an eye toward a future vocation), and foster the development of a relationship with at least one ally. In so doing, your child will be better poised to prosper in life.