The legacy of Andrew Wakefield continues

[SheilaT]

26. It seems as if one of the main problems for an Aspie is

that they mature more slowly than others. Even though my son had been to many away camps and summer programs off somewhere, he wasn't able to handle the more adult responsibility of being at college at 18. He did not get involved in drinking or drugs or other things like that. In his case, when he ran into academic difficulties his social deficits made it impossible for him to seek help. It's exactly why he flunked out of two different colleges, despite being so smart.

About seven years ago my husband and I separated and are now divorced. He is remarried and he and my son's stepmother are very hands on and give my son lots of support and guidance. She was the one who actually suggested the CAD program, and she pushed him to applying for a job as a math tutor at a junior college, and then went with him to get into the physics program where he is now enrolled.

It's as if he's emotionally and socially far, far younger, but he has made great strides recently. I saw him a couple of weeks ago and it was noticeable to me how much more independent and capable he is that when I still lived in the same city, five years ago.

My point is, if your son has these difficulties, it's probably normal for him.