Hello this is Dawn, Jake's mom. I wanted to share my story with the hope of helping anyone else who is going through a possible Asperger Diagnosis.

Asperger's is a life time deal. There is no cure nor is there a short fix for it.

Each day is a new experience for Jake. Despite his best efforts, what was normal yesterday may feel alien to him today. He is a child of routine and any upset in that routine is frustrating to him. He is trying to figure out the best way to work with the Asperger's and so are we. I have learned that keeping him informed about anything and everything, especially changes in his schedule is key to a non eventful week! It is a continued work in progress for all involved, but well worth the effort!

As Jake ages there will be new challenges to face, especially as he moves on from grade to grade. New classmates who will be told of the Asperger's with the hope that there will be an acceptance vs teasing.

I wonder how will he adapt in middle school or high school? Will he be able to recognize his rocking or flapping when he is older and have more control over it? So many questions and worries that I think about now.

I'm always doing research and educating myself so that I hopefully stay a step a head of the next obstacle we might face. Trying to learn what challenges he may have in the future and trying to plan ahead for them is key right now. I don't want to sit around and wait for something to happen without being somewhat prepared.

I feel like my entire point in life right now is to support Jake the best I can while continuing to educate not only myself but our family/friends while trying to make Jake's journey with Asperger's as positive and rewarding as possible.

When Jake goes to his dad's house, that is my time. I'm fortunate because I am a stay at home mom, so I can provide Jake with so much one one one time while having my undivided attention. Jake's Asperger's has pretty much become my 'job' if you will.

I have to give a huge shout out to Eric. He has been an active part of our lives since 2006 and is a huge source of strength for both Jake and myself. Eric is the most unselfish person I have ever known and sometimes he does not get the credit he deserves. Eric said to me after meeting Jake for the first time,

"Jake has an amazing mind, I have never met a child who knew so much and was such a deep thinker at such a young age. He has something very special going on in that head of his and one day it will become clear to everyone."

Years ago Eric saw in Jake what I had seen all along and together we have worked very hard to help Jake, long before getting the official diagnosis. We love you Eric and thank you for not only being a part of our lives but for all you do for both of us.

Asperger's requires cooperation from all parties involved. To any parent out there who has the "there is nothing wrong with my child" attitude, this is not the time to be selfish. This is no longer about you - it is about what you can do for your child.

Being the parent of an Asperger child is a very rewarding experience. I would never wish for Jake to be anything other than exactly what and who he is.