He came into our family as a toddler and although we knew "something was amiss" we really didn't know what as not much was known about autism then. He could not talk and also had some physical problems. After many years of every type of therapy Mom (an angel) could think of to help him, he began to flourish. This was long before any new modalities were discovered,
and after many years, we now know he has Aspergers spectrum autism.
Mom has passed on now, and he's in his 50's. He lives as independently as possible with "earth angels" helping out. He works, goes on vacation with us, and has participated in the Special Olympics.
He recently fought a successful battle with a deadly disease.
Despite everything, he is intelligent, cheerful, gentle, helpful, as communicative as Aspergers will allow, and leads a happy life.
anytown, DC