Tonight, I spent a little time reading a few articles I've had bookmarked for some time. I'm off to bed shortly, but some of this really screamed "Jordan" and I wanted to share it with you all. This piece actually addressed some of the benefits of Aspergers.
Here are a few snip-its from this short write up, which definitely applies to our sweetie:
"Asperger's and Self-Esteem: Insight and Hope through Famous Role Models," written by Norm Ledgin, claims that thirteen giants of history - Marie Curie, Albert Einstein, and Mozart among them - likely had Aspergers Syndrome. He documents that "Some people also believe that Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Charles Darwin, Galileo, Pablo Picasso, Benjamin Franklin, Margaret Mead and Aristotle could have likely been diagnosed with this syndrome.
Diane Kennedy, an author and advocate for Asperger Syndrome, writes, "They are our visionaries, scientists, diplomats, inventors, chefs, artists, writers and musicians. They are the original thinkers and a driving force in our culture."
Dierdre Lovecky, an expert in the field, has written about the positive aspects of Aspergers Syndrome. She's noted how:
those with Aspergers often have advanced vocabularies, recognize patterns others do not, and pursue ideas despite evidence to the contrary because they are not easily swayed by others' opinions. Their ability to focus on details and their inability to see the big picture means they can often come up with solutions to problems others overlook. Aspies are often willing to spend long hours in laboratories and in front of computer screens because they do not mind being alone. All this enables them to make tremendous contributions at work and school. Author Patricia Bashe points out that people often admire those who can work independently. She writes, "Our society celebrates the individual who does what he thinks is right and goes his own way."
Many experts relate that Aspies can make amazingly loyal friends. They are usually free from sexism or racism. They do not manipulate people but speak out frankly and honestly. They are sincere truth-tellers, whose naivety and trusting nature makes them incapable of backstabbing. As employees, they are completely dependable and follow the rules of the job. Psychologist Teresa Bolick writes, "Their deficits are actually assets, as they are unfettered by convention or manners. Aspies help us stay grounded by questioning why we do what we do, why we need to get married" and other basic societal assumptions.
Most of the above was taken from:
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Jeremiah 29:11 NIV