Something is a little different, was my mantra for the first few years of my son's life. He turned one, then two, then three years old and I realized that although he seemed very bright and understood everything I said to him, he really didn't speak much. He learned his colors, numbers and the alphabet at an early age. In fact, he could write his name before the age of three... he taught himself. Brilliant! He loved books, so I read to him often hoping to encourage his speech and language. Later I would learn he taught himself to read.
I noticed he had special interests too. He was fascinated with Play-Doh and would build elaborate miniature snowmen, always a snowman, with incredible detail. He was and still is, extraordinarily artistic.
His interests have since shifted to include trains, dinosaurs, transformers, the Solar System, robots, bionicles, yu-gi-oh, oceanography, geography, computers, and is currently a self-proclaimed film-maker! Still, reading is his greatest joy.
Despite his AS diagnosis, my son is happy and healthy and leads a full life. He's aware of his differences and recognizes his talents. He's bright and friendly with a fabulous sense of humor. He is someone I admire!!