Asperger's Syndrome

In 2007 my son Kendall was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. I did not know anything about this! I will give some basic information on he symptoms and diagnoses of this.

Asperger's Syndrome, also called Asperger's disorder, is a type of pervasive development disorder (PDD). PDDs are a group of conditions that involve delays in the development of the many basic skills, most notably the ability to socialize with others, to communicate, and to use imagination.

Although Asperger's syndrome is similar in some ways to autism--another, more severe type of PDD -- there are some important differences. Children with Asperger's syndrome typically function better than those with autism. In addition, children with Asperger's generally have normal or high intelligence, they may develop problems communicating .

The symptoms of Asperger's vary can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:

*Problems with social skills: Children with Asperger's generally have difficulty interacting with others and often are awkward in social situations. They generally do not make friends easily.

*Eccentric or repetitive behaviors: Children with the condition may develop odd, repetitive movements, such as hand wringing or repeating themselves.

*Unusual preoccupations or rituals: A child may develop rituals that he or she refuses to alter, such as getting dressed in a specific order.

*Communication difficulties: Children may not may eye contact when speaking with someone. They also tend to have problems understanding language in context.

*Interests: Children may develop an intense, almost obsessive, interest in a few areas, such as maps, solar systems, movies and states/countries.

*Skilled or talented: Many children are exceptionally talented or skilled in a particular area, such as music or math.

What Causes Asperger's Syndrome?

The exact cause of Asperger's syndrome is not known. However, the fact that it tends to run in families suggests that a tendency to develop the disorder may be inherited (passed on from parent to child).

How Common is Asperger's Syndrome?

Asperger's syndrome has only recently been recognized as a unique disorder. It is more common in males than in females, and usually is first diagnosed in children between the age of 2 and 6 years.

How Is Asperger's Treated?

There currently is no cure for Asperger's, but treatment may improve functioning and reduce undesirable behaviors. Treatment may not be needed, however, treatment may include a combination of the following:

*Special education: education structure

*Behavior modification: strategies for supporting behavior

*Speech, physical, or occupational therapy: designed to increase the child's functional abilities.

*Medication: drugs maybe used to treat specific symptoms, such a anxiety, depression, hyperactivity and obsessive-compulsive behavior.

What is the Outlook for People With Asperger'd Syndrome?

Because the level of intelligence often is average or higher than average, many people with Asperger's are able to function very well. They may, however, continue to have a problem socializing with others through adulthood.

Can Asperger's be Prevented?Asperger's cannot be prevented or cured. However, early diagnosis and treatment can improve function and quality of life.

The Theory of Natural Law

Each religion, theory or worldview has strengths and weaknesses. The way these strengths and weaknesses are viewed depend on what we feel is best for our own well being. The theory of Natural Law is something that is almost extinct with mainly the Catholic Church believing in it. I will discuss three reasons why this theory has been rejected by many others.

The first reason why is because of the idea that “what’s natural is good.” This is something that can easily be countered since we do not find that disease is something that is good, it is arguably bad. This can also prove to be true since when we put pesticides on fruits and vegetable to make them grow faster, they have an alarming effect on our own body. This shows that having the natural fruits and vegetables are good, and anything other than that can be bad.

The second reason is the confusion between “is” and “ought.” This is a common discretion in many aspects of Philosophy. “Is” can be used in many dialects and it is easily understandable. The word “ought” has many definitions and is usually used in a negative aspect. “Ought” is seen more a value, whereas “is” is seen more as a fact.

The third reason addresses the question of moral knowledge. Moral knowledge is something that is usually taught from generation to generation then changes as the person is able to make up their own ideas on their lifestyle. With this meaning it shows that the believer has no special access to moral truth. This is arguably the same reason why it is usually not a theory that is believable. Many believe that religious beliefs should not be the reason why people believe what is right and what is wrong.

This theory is attractive to myself and others because it poses a different stance on why things are the way they are. It proves that everything does happen for a reason. We have a fate but sometimes that path is not always followed. The natural law theory gives a reason for why we should follow what we feel is right. Everything has its own purpose and it does not need to be specified at that given time.

The Theory of Natural Law fits well with the Biblical Baptist worldview because, for the naturalist, the world has a rational order, with values and purposes built into its nature. The main topic I will be focusing on the ideology that everything has its own purpose. I will be using the Bible, and the Elements of Moral Philosophy as a guide to help prove why this is correct in many aspects of life.

In the Christian, Biblical Baptist, worldview people are placed onto Earth so they can worship God. With these same values instilled in them the purpose is to live a good life so they can in turn go to Heaven, after death, to be with this same God. By using the four questions from Aristotle we can prove this.

1. What is it? People

2. What is it made of? Flesh and bones

3. How did it become to exist? God created all people

4. What is it made for? To worship God and live a good life following his rules.

The separation between the church and the state in this instance is redundant. Many of the rules listed on the Ten Commandments are also listed in many of our Constitutional laws. Morality and religion are almost inseparable. We commonly gain our moral thinking from the teachings of our parents and/or guardians and the teachings of the Bible. We want to believe that God created a loving and peaceful environment for us. We are human and we make mistakes. Some people become corrupted and do not stick to their morals and therefore we must double think everything going on.

Aaron Thunder Coleman

As I play with my delighted grandson, I can only think about how I found out he was on his way to turning my world upside down. It is a pleasure to smile at him now, but just a few years ago I could only cry and worry about him. It was such a different world and we had no idea how he would end up today. After two and half years, I have found peace with my decisions and myself since finding out the shocking and upsetting news July 5, 2007.

I decided to let my three children visit with their dad, their grandmother and their great-grandmother in the summer of 2007. The visit seemed normal during the month they stayed there. I received regular phone calls from everybody and the kids called me every night before they went to bed. I was anticipating their return the night before they were due to come back. I received an odd phone call from my grandmother; my life has never been the same.

“Adrienne,” my grandmother began say on the other side of my cell phone, “Arielle is bigged.”

“Mamou, what does ‘bigged’ mean?” I asked with complete confusion.

“Baby,” she paused, “Arielle is pregnant!” Those words hit my heart like a ton of bricks. I could not believe it. My baby is only 14 years old how could this be? I thought about the previous months and the last time I had seen her. She showed no signs of being pregnant. The pictures they sent me of what they were doing showed nothing.

That was probably one of the most difficult night sleep I have ever gotten. By the time I went to get them from the airport, it was the only thing that was on my mind. How could my 14-year-old daughter be pregnant? When she stepped off the plane, I saw exactly what my grandmother was talking about. The plumped face and the slight baby bump was a for-sure sign. How could this be, Lord?

All of the clinics were closed due to the July 4^th holiday. Therefore, I went to Walgreens and purchased two tests hoping they would come back negative, at the time. I was still in disbelief when they came back positive. I called my best friend, Arielle’s godmother, and vented to her about everything. She told me to pull myself together and stop crying because Arielle needed me now.

The next day I took her to Planned Parenthood, and again, the test was positive. We were sent to a gynecologist where they administered an ultrasound. The doctor verified, what I think was, our worst dreams.

“Yes ma’am, this young lady is definitely pregnant.” the doctor in blue jeans scrubs told us as he began to clean up the equipment. “Are you her mom?”

“Yes.” I answered as I looked down and saw my daughter crying. Little did she know, I wanted to cry myself."

She is term."

“Term? I know what term is, but what do you mean term?” I was not fully coherent of what was going on at this time. How did I let her walk by me and play with me for nine full months without noticing! I had to sit down. I use work with pregnant people and I could not spot it out in my own daughter.

Ma’am, I will send you and your daughter to the University Hospital because this baby is due any day.”

The nurse walked out of the room and with her went all of my tears. I started to think a little harder about my daughter’s activities. She ran track, played volleyball and basketball, and--oh Lord--the medication she had taken for back pain. She took a lot of harmful medications, when she had the flu and her strong gastroindegestion medication--Tamiflu, 600 mg of Ibuprofen, Theraflu, Pepcid AC, all of the medicines you are to avoid taking when bearing a child-- and her illnesses goes on for days. My poor grandchild.

Just weeks later, literally, my daughter had a caesarean section and gave birth to a healthy baby boy (that was announced to be a girl during later ultrasounds). He was 8 lbs 10 oz and 20 ¼ inches long at birth. Between my grandmother and I, we named him Aaron Thunder Coleman. I was still in disbelief during all of the commotion associated with a new birth, but I have overcome it all and so has my daughter.

Arielle has graduated from Rangeview High School, and she is attending the University of Denver. I was at a loss for words when we were told she was pregnant at 14 and at an even greater loss for words when she was accepted to DU on Christmas Eve. Aaron will be starting His pre Pre-K school as well. Through it all, I have slept in my own room peacefully every night as she took care of her “little monster” alone.

Arielle is a normal seventeen-year old girl with much high priorities. Aaron keeps her busy and she keeps him with her everywhere. She has lugged him to her school when she had to take finals and he had Scarlet Fever. She has kept higher than a 3.5 grade average since having him. Many girls would have given up if they went through what she has endured in the past three years, but my daughter has kept her head held high and has overcome everything.

At almost three years old, my grandson is the light of everybody’s eye, as well as mine. He is so advanced and active in so many ways. I just hold him and look at his button nose as he sleeps, after being hidden away from me for almost nine months he has surely made up for the lost time. I am his “Nana Girl” and that is my “Thunder Pie.”