Road to discovery, part 2

I knew about autism, but not Asperger’s syndrome. It didn't seem to me that our son had autism. He didn't have to have his day follow a certain routine; and he didn't have dramatic tantrums, not like I had seen in autistic kids. I could hug him. He looked me in the eye. He was protective and caring with his younger sister.

On the other hand, he did seem way obsessed with rocks and SpongeBob SquarePants, but every 8 year old we knew seemed crazy about the Nickelodeon show. Many of them also liked rocks, just maybe not as much as my son. His mannerisms and conversations did seem quirky, though, and those party invites had dropped off significantly.

I listened to my friend explain Asperger’s syndrome. All that I really heard was "high-functioning" autism and quirky. My mind drifted to his behaviors. 

He was super shy around other kids; eye contact wasn't so great with others. He’d sometimes hide when he saw someone from school at the store. Maybe something happened at school? He was very particular about clothes. Maybe he’s just starting early? His tone was flat and nasal. Maybe his tonsillectomy contributed to his speech problems? No, he couldn't have it. It had to be something else. Could I be in denial?

She suggested I learn more about the spectrum. I jotted down some names for developmental specialists who were respected for work with autistic kids. I worried about what I’d discover.

I looked at some web sites, and found he did seem to have some autism-spectrum traits. Still, I made excuses. Deep down I think that I didn’t really want that label then. My reaction was, will people think my kid is “Rainman”? Obviously he’s not.