I've frequently seen it argued that some parents with Asperger syndrome simply may not be up to the enormous task involved in raising a child. A psychologically healthy child needs the complex emotional interactions that occur between a parent and child. Initially this worried me a little as I'm not the most talkative of people (unless its health/motorbike based). I've seen, and I'm sure you have to, many neurotypical parents that have poor parenting skills. Equally their are many parents on the autistic spectrum who no doubt have the skills that make them exceptional parents.
I have no doubt that my dad has Asperger's syndrome to some degree and at times I've had family members telling me that my dad is cold and never relaxes or wants to be at family gatherings. It seems that those with Asperger syndrome are stereotyped as evil, uncaring, or intentionally abusive, just because they don't show their affection or particularly recognize when someone is being affectionate to them. Their are many bonds between a parent and a child, not just the loud and proud bond that so many exhibit.
My dad unknowingly has done the best job I could of wished for, he's sheltered me from the situations that make him deeply uncomfortable (they're also difficult for him), he gave me the ability to work using calm logic and we've always just shook hands because hugging is uncomfortable for me (although I didn't know I was any different to others until 2 or 3 years ago).
Will my child suffer because I'm arkward in social situations? Will they struggle with my need for routine? Hopefully not, however whatever my shortcomings in the social arena I'm sure (I hope so anyway) that I have attributes that will impact on our child's life in a positive way. They'll certainly know all about health...
I have no doubt that my dad has Asperger's syndrome to some degree and at times I've had family members telling me that my dad is cold and never relaxes or wants to be at family gatherings. It seems that those with Asperger syndrome are stereotyped as evil, uncaring, or intentionally abusive, just because they don't show their affection or particularly recognize when someone is being affectionate to them. Their are many bonds between a parent and a child, not just the loud and proud bond that so many exhibit.
My dad unknowingly has done the best job I could of wished for, he's sheltered me from the situations that make him deeply uncomfortable (they're also difficult for him), he gave me the ability to work using calm logic and we've always just shook hands because hugging is uncomfortable for me (although I didn't know I was any different to others until 2 or 3 years ago).
Will my child suffer because I'm arkward in social situations? Will they struggle with my need for routine? Hopefully not, however whatever my shortcomings in the social arena I'm sure (I hope so anyway) that I have attributes that will impact on our child's life in a positive way. They'll certainly know all about health...
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