Aspie grandson a hero

[Thirties Child]

Our 12-year-old grandson is a hero. Last week, during a swimming gala, he saw a boy in the next lane struggling. He rushed to the boy's side, turned him on his back so he could breathe, and held him on the ropes until a lifeguard arrived. I'm impressed that during a crisis situation, he knew what to do - and did it.

He has been diagnosed on the spectrum, has Asperger's, possibly PDD. Our daughter started swimming lessons because he was so uncoordinated - would fall off his chair during dinner. He turned out to be a natural, has a county (Yorkshire) ranking. He's also brilliant and we are enormously proud of him.

[hollysmom]

1. that is a wonderful story

Do they teach them that or did he just know from logic?

[Thirties Child]

2. I've also wondered if they teach them or it was his own logic.

This child is amazing. When he was three he spent quite some time throwing things into the air. Tried throwing while he was sitting, while he was standing, while he was lying down. He finally asked, "Why do they always come down?" At three he was trying to figure out gravity.

He has three qualities that will make him an outstanding scientist: logic, curiosity and a photographic memory.

[hollysmom]

3. there is supposed to be a link with most people with Aspergers

and creation or invention. I think it might just be the different wiring makes them think in special ways. I have some friends with aspergers and they are very creative. where as, a shrink thought I was very ADHD or Aspergers and I had a more science based career.

[Thirties Child]

4. I think there have always been people with Asperger's

and the world is a richer place because of them.

[hollysmom]

5. My philosopy is we are all special

we all have hidden talents and curses. I myself tend to say inappropriate things, and it does not sink in for days that what I said is rude, once it took 2 years, I stood in a place and had a flash back to something horrid that I said, then I usually apologize because I never meant to say those things. Some people forgive me, others think I am a terrible person. I try to keep my actions kind to sort of help.

[Thirties Child]

6. Sometimes I think we are each given 500 pounds

And we divide it in different ways. I put a lot of my 500 pounds into writing, but didn't put enough into getting it done. Which means the talent is there, but I don't do anything with it and end up contributing nothing. It sounds like you put a lot of your pounds into being kind, which is the best place of all to put it.