My 12 year old son is quite the neuro-typical, however, he displays an assortment of autistic characteristics due to having his mother and brother being on the spectrum.
Younglink is part genetic and autistic make-up. He is social, outgoing, excellent with speaking his mind, highly emotional and great with eye contact, all standard neuro-typical traits. In observing him with adults and other children, in addition to hearing about his difficulties in school, it has become clear that he has picked up the household autistic traits.
Younglink doesn't get jokes, understand pranks, comprehend sarcasm, read between the lines or take orders well. In a home where only the literal is spoken, my son isn't adept at understanding typical speech and phrases. He takes people at their word and gives them no room for error.
True, he was born on the highly emotional, sensitive side but he grew up without extended family to balance and show him what being neuro-typical is all about.
I can't apologize for what I can't change. My two kids grew up in a relative vacuum free of NT input or role models. We all march to the beat of out inner drum and autism dictates the beat.
I think Younglink's teachers will benefit by knowing that he has Environmental Autism. I know his Social Worker was quite enlightened with this revelation. EA is part of who my son is. If his teachers understand that I think they will have a better grasp on where he is coming from and why he reacts the way he does.
Knowledge is Power, my friend
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