When I first suspected Tristan may have Aspergers, I did what anyone else would do, I turned to the internet. Now, I will admit I have not learned my lesson yet about doing too much research on the net. Although it is highly informative, it is a dangerous tool when used by someone completely ignorant on the topic they are researching and when it is being used as a single source of information. I remember crying when I read that by third grade "The Aspergers child will have no friends." I felt consoled when I read that "Many people with Aspergers marry and lead fulfilling lives" only to plunge again into depression when I later read that "Most people with Aspergers have difficulty completing college, finding employment and forming relationships." What will happen to my child? I thought. How bad can this be?
If you look at Tristan, he seems like a typical child. He does not look like a child with a problem. By now I have realized that the information I found and digested was, for the most part, simplistic. I have read about amazing people like Michael Bury who is an accomplished Doctor and entrepreneur. He has a family and children. I read about John Elder - another amazing man who has succeeded in every thing he set out to do. I realize that Tristan's future is as uncertain as any other child's. I can only guide him and help him achieve his full potential. He will always have the full support and love of his parents. The biggest disability a child can have is a family that is not supportive. That is one disability Tristan is lucky enough not to have.
