It's all in the phrasing
@justcallmefran (9)
United States
December 31, 2006 8:47pm CST
Being the mother of two children with Asperger's Syndrome, I often have to remind myself to think in literal terms. My kids don't understand figures of speech, take most words literally, can't discuss intangible things. They try so hard to make sense out of a nonsensical world.
Sometimes, they are funny even when they aren't trying to be. For example, my son had a loose tooth which was annoying him for days. When I noticed one day after school that the tooth was gone, I said 'Oh, you finally lost that tooth', to which he replied 'No I didn't, it's in my backpack'.
This Christmas, we were getting ready to take the annual picture of the kids next to the christmas tree for our christmas card. My husband told the kids 'go up and dress in christmas colors'. A few minutes later, my son comes bounding down the stairs, wearing red gym shorts, a red pokemon T-shirt, and a green baseball cap. My husband said 'That's not what I meant'. My son, now embarressed, stormed back to his room. I followed up and told him that Dad should have explained what he meant, and together we picked out clothes. Next, my daughter came downstairs...wearing white capris, red sox, a bright green T-shirt, and a red shawl. Noticing the look on my husband's face I mouthed 'don't say a WORD!'. I am pleased to say, the picture came out fine, lol.
It's all in the phrasing with these kids. Do any of you have an humorous stories to share?
4 people like this
7 responses
@leezamaries (241)
• United States
1 Jan 07
I have a son with ADHD. I spend alot of time repeating things.
I was having my nightly discussion with my then 8 yr old son about coming home right after school. Not making any stops along the way. That type of thing.
Well I must have been talking too fast or he had wax in his ears.
I said "get yourself home"
He looked at me and said "I don't have your cell phone"
2 people like this
@leezamaries (241)
• United States
1 Jan 07
He sees his dr. several times a year because he's on medication. So his ears, eyes, blood pressure, heart and the whole works are covered!
@wepay2 (346)
• Australia
1 Jan 07
i see nothing funny about your kids
they understand english whici is more than i can say about others that have laughed and enjoyed your comments about how srtange and funny your kids are
they do not have a problem or any type of syndrome
their only problem is that they are to inteligent for you your husband and their doctor
i do not and can not see what is so funny about listening to you and following what you ask them to do.
all they are doing is listening to what you say while others listen to what they want to hear and dont say what they mean
@sylviekitty (2083)
• United States
1 Jan 07
Actually, all considered, I thought the "Christmas" outfits they chose (albeit not dressy enough for a traditional Christmas picture) were appropriate. LOL
@justcallmefran (9)
• United States
1 Jan 07
Well wepay, you are certainly welcomed to have an opinion and to express it. But next time you want to insult my intelligence, please try to spell correctly :)
@djb876 (93)
• United States
1 Jan 07
Thank you so much for your post. My son's teacher has told me that she sees som Asberger's traits in my son, but at a very mild degree. When I read of your son's actions, I can see my own. My son can be so focused that it's hard to draw him out, he also gets agitated in a crowd. He can be super-sweet, kind, and yes, extremely literal in his view of life. Thanks! I no longer feel alone with my son!
@justcallmefran (9)
• United States
1 Jan 07
You are definitely not alone. I see that you are in the United States, as am I. How old is your son? You could request a meeting with your Special Ed. Director of your school district, and request formal evaluations, based on your observations and those of your son's teacher. Alternatively, you could talk to your son's Dr. about your concerns and see if you can get a neuro-psych evaluation. In my opinion, as 'mild' as it may be, it would be better to know for sure, in case you need some classroom accomodations for him. There are specific diagnosis criteria for diagnosing Asperger's.
There are so many resources out there for you. Check out some websites, such as www.wrongplanet.net and OASIS www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger Both websites have a tremendous amout of information, links, book reviews, Support Group links, etc.
@albert2412 (1782)
• United States
1 Jan 07
I am sorry that your children have Asperger's syndrome, a mild form of Autism. Our son became autistic at age 12, right after taking the MMR school shot. Mercury (thimerosal)perservative is a commonly used preservative in vaccines. Mercury settles in the brain and causes Autism and Asperger's. Autism and Asperger's became known about 1943, about the same time that childhood vaccines became commonplace. Since mercury is the cause of these problems, we have been working to remove the mercury from our son's brain and body so that we can get him well. We use biomedical means to help our son (chelation to remove the mercury, supplements, soaking his feet in distilled water with epsom salts for sulphation, etc.). A lot of children have gotten normal using these methods, but even though our son is improved, he is not fully well yet, although he is better. Please pray for us.
@justcallmefran (9)
• United States
1 Jan 07
My prayers are with you. Although I feel that a hereditary predisposition must also be present with autism, I also agree that thimerosal has triggered autism to near epidemic proportions. My son was diagnosed early (age 5) although we knew something was up from age 2 1/2. My daughter's autism did not present itself until after her Kindegarten round of immunizations. I am planning to refuse the 12 year vaccines for both children. Have you read 'Evidence of Harm' by David Kirby? Scary stuff....
@mari61960 (4893)
• United States
1 Jan 07
That's too funny and so true. I have worked with disabled adults most of my life and this brought to mind a particular gentleman I worked with.
He was refusing to do something at work and I said alright that's enough now sit down and get back to work. He said for how long? I casually said "till the cows come home"
He worked quietly all day. At the end of the day almost everyone was gone or anxiously looking for thier ride. He had certain rituals for the end of the day. He hadn't even gotten up yet. I said " Hey Bob why are you still sitting there? Aren't you going to get ready?" He said I'll probably never get to leave, our last cow was butchered 11 years ago.
I thought I was going to pee. Well I explained that there was no cow it was just an expression...etc. He was relieve and carried on. I never laughed so hard when he left.
I don't mean to make fun, it's a serious problem but just to make light it is funny sometimes.
@cloud_kicker_32 (4635)
• United States
1 Jan 07
lol..well you made me laugh so hard!! lol..I have so many stories to tell and i cant think of most of them right now,,i think my new years resolution will be starting a journal..anywho i do have a favorite,,My son is 4 yrs old and we were looking at a photot album one day, and we came upon a pictiure of me showing my pregnant tummy,,and i said.,."LOOK HONY,THIS IS MOMMY WHEN YOU WERE IN MY TUMMY!!" and then..u ready? he says this.." YOU MEAN YOU ATE ME!!!!!!!!!!! "his face all pale and eyes wide open..HAHAHAHAHAH!!OMG I LAUGHED FOR SO LONG MY STOMACH WAS HURTING!! and he was mad because he didnt know why i was laughing,,lol..yea i love this age,,and i dread it when he grows up..lol
