I am so sad for my son.

[kmmmom]

My 16 year old ds has Asperger's (it's in the autism spectrum)

The two of us were watching television last night and one of the shows commentators said something about all parents want when they have a child is to have a normal, healthy child who can grow up into a productive adult or some such statement...not verbatim, but that's the gist of it.

Michael looked at me and kinda smiled and said, "sorry, mom"

My heart is breaking. Yes, we will have challenges throughout his life and I really don't know what his potenetial is. But the fact that he was in that moment seeing himself as a disappointment to me was so sad. :frown:

I have always told him that he can do what he wants with his life and that we will work together to make his dreams come true. But, he suddenly realized he has limitations.

[livermoremom]

I'm so sorry! That is terrible that he feels inadequate. He shouldn't. My nephew has Asperger's, and while he's not "normal", he's whip smart and has so many things going for him, as is common for those on the autistic spectrum. Big hugs to you and your son-I wish great things for him!

[zoeys_mom]

I am soo sorry Lisa. Most the time tv people are idiots! Insert foot in mouth.

I hope your son doesn't think he is a disappointment. He should know how much you love him and how proud you are of him. *cyber hugs* sent your way!

[pilesoflaundry]

That breaks my heart! My son is autistic but he's not exactly there enough to figure out something like that. He's high functioning but he's less functioning than a kid with asperger's.

Hugs to you.

[mama22qts]

Awww just picturing that makes me want to grab that baby up and hug him to death!! I'd pull him very close to me and, nose to nose, tell him that he should NEVER consider himself anything less than God's greatest blessing to me and to his family.

OP, I'm so sorry!!

Bad TV people! BAD BAD BAD!!!

[kmmmom]

That breaks my heart! My son is autistic but he's not exactly there enough to figure out something like that. He's high functioning but he's less functioning than a kid with asperger's.

Hugs to you.

Actually, for him to make that comment is a huge deal. One of the problems with asperger's is the inability to see things through other people's eyes or perspective. So I guess everything does have a silver lining. We are making progress.

Don't worry, I hugged him and told him in no uncertain terms that I loved him and he would never be a disappointment to me. I love him for who he is and even when we have bad days and fall down, we know we have the love of our entire family to hold us up.

[bessiemae]

I'm sure that the reporter meant no harm by his comment, however people seldom think about how everything that they say can affect someone. It would be much better if we all admit that we have our own challenges. I think that each person has tendencies to those conditions that have a name. Don't most of us have areas in our life that maybe we are a little quirky? I have this thing about everything matching and my house etc. is too cluttered. My good friend is unbelievably organized and her house, even on the worst of days, looks neater than mine. She is not bothered to come to my house and move something so that she can sit on the couch. We enjoy each others friendship and accept that our differences are what make us the person that we are. We have discussed this subject before. I do think that we are more sensitive to some issues since my nephew is autistic and her nephew has Asperger's.

It sounds like you are doing a very good job of raising your son and letting him know how much he is loved as he is. I am sure that you have pointed out that there are well known people that share the same problem that he has and are very successful in their lives. Like I tell my nephews, we all have different things that we are better at doing than others. That is why some people are a wiz at putting a car engine together and some others cannot carry a tune. What a boring world this would be if we were all the same. We need each other for the things that each has to contribute to our society.

[missmitz]

But, he suddenly realized he has limitations.

I personally have no experience with any form or autism. However, I have a friend with 3 out of 4 kids having some version. I'm sure you are doing a wonderful job with him. As for him realizing he has limitation.......... we ALL have limitations! Many "normal" kids grow up to be disappointments to their parents (speaking of MEAN people). Your sons heart of gold will never be a disappointment!

[elizabethm]

Actually, for him to make that comment is a huge deal. One of the problems with asperger's is the inability to see things through other people's eyes or perspective. So I guess everything does have a silver lining. We are making progress.

Don't worry, I hugged him and told him in no uncertain terms that I loved him and he would never be a disappointment to me. I love him for who he is and even when we have bad days and fall down, we know we have the love of our entire family to hold us up.

I know nothing about asperger's. However, it's super normal for anyone his age to be down on himself. Since he's doing well in that he's introspective, you can tell him he's being terribly normal

[sallman67]

My daughter was asked one time,"At what age do you think children realize that they are different?" She looked straight at the person and said, "They may never know that they are different. They may think that you are the one that is different."

So, who is to say that just because we consider ourself "Normal" that we are the one who is different.

God puts us all on this Earth for a reason. No one is perfect except for him.

You just keep doing what you are doing with your son and don't ever let anyone keep you or him from your dreams in life.

God Bless