What Aspergers Is

2012 has been quite a year of ups and downs.  Our country has suffered through some really difficult times especially most recently with the mass shooting at the elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut.  That was something that hurt all of us to the core.  What some may not know is we actually lost innocent children who were on the autism spectrum with their whole lives ahead of them.

At the same time, the Aspergers community came under attack because the killer had an Aspergers diagnosis.  That however, had nothing to do with his this psychopathic decision to commit such a violent act.  Aspergers does not equate planned violence.

There are so many faces of autism that are human, positive and struggling to survive in this world that is sometimes completely alien to them.   A world where they often feel alone and totally misunderstood. They are more likely to be the victims of violence rather than the perpetrators.

I have two of those boys.

This is what Aspergers is:

Red is a self-taught Videographer
And Editor with his own business
He loves to help others with more severe disabilties at his High School
He gets up every Sunday and goes to church on his own
In his words:
"My goal in live is to follow the example of Christ
Help others as much as I can
and not be a douchebag."

Blue is an Honor Student
He spent his summer volunteering at a camp for kids with disabilities.
At his middle-school he is recognized regularly for showing compassion
And helping his peers in need
He loves exotic cars
He wants to be a Mechanical Engineer so that
He can design them.
He is an advocate for himself and others on the spectrum.
He speaks publicly at school and at teachers conferences.

Happy 2013 Everyone!

To see more of the beautiful faces of autism check out Autism Shines on Facebook and on Twitter. 

Wishing you a Peaceful and Happy 2013!