Awhile ago at dinner with my mom and Evan, I asked her if she wondered if I might have had some autistic or Asperger like tendencies as a child.
Her reply was that I certainly had something going on then, but at the time (many many many years ago) she had no idea what to do about it.
Evan took the opportunity to pipe up that there wasn't a genetic connection, but I tend to disagree with him.
I read an article shortly after he was diagnosed that talked about the same gene that was responsible for bipolar (check) eating disorders (check) depression (check) and alcoholism (Irish Catholic family, many checks) could be linked to autism. I never jumped on the vaccine bandwagon, or any other new theory to come along. Looking at family history and studying genealogy, all of the above runs rampant.
Later I had a conversation with Evan about the interests (obsessions) I had growing up...All things about the English Royal family, which led to owning every book written about Princess Diana, then Jackie Kennedy...and splintering off into sun interests. My family thought it was cute and a phase...it lasted for over 20 years. I didn't have any friends until high-school because I didn't know how to make or keep a friend. I stuck around with adults. I still have problems with this...only keeping a few close friends at a time, and at a distance because I am still unsure of social cues. People exhaust me...but I keep trying, because a lonely life is quite sucky.
Anyway, I was telling Evan that I used to tell my psychiatrist back then that I always felt detached from everything...like I was behind a movie camera and my life was being played out in front of me...I kept trying to call "Scene" and get control but it never worked...the world kept going on while I kept faltering trying to fit in, having no control over anything. Evan seemed to understand what I was saying (or he just pretended to so I would stop talking).
I do believe genetics have a part, and sometimes I feel great guilt that Evan never had a chance in escaping. BUT, I do believe he has a much brighter future than I could ever have dreamed of, and that he will soar to heights I never would have dared imagined.
autism speaks – and listens
8 hours ago
2 you say:
john robison has a theory (that he talks about in his current post http://jerobison.blogspot.com/2009/06/sequel-to-look-me-in-eye.html) that in between neuro-typical folks and those who live firmly on the spectrum, there is a sub group of 'proto-aspergians.'
interesting stuff.
and yes, evan can and will go anywhere he damn well pleases. he is smart as a whip and has support and love and respect. sounds like a perfect formula to me!
I totally know what you're talking about. I exhibited a lot of ASD traits as a child, including stimming and some sensory issues. I've always seen the genetics at play, although I also think that some environmental factors contributed to Nigel's autism.
In any case, I can't WAIT to see what the future brings for Evan. "he will soar to heights I never would have dared imagined" - I couldn't agree more.
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