How Bad is Aspergers?

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.