Comments on: Opening up: A stressful couple of weeks

By: James

James — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:44:47 +0000

Thank you all for your kind thoughts. I’ll let you know how things pan out.

By: AJ

AJ — Sat, 30 May 2009 02:03:58 +0000

Stay strong James. I went through telling my parents last weekend, and received a similar response. Like you, I was not surprised at how my parents reacted.
All I know is that I have only told two other people besides my parents. My wife, and a friend I have known for 20 years. Both of them were like OK, whatever. It was not a big deal to them because they had already accepted me for who I am. Whereas my parents had not. I would still like their approval, and acceptance, but quit trying to achieve it long ago.

Stay true to yourself, now more than ever.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Fri, 29 May 2009 19:18:44 +0000

Your parents’ response was pretty much what my parents’ response would have been if they were still around. Denial, denial, denial. And then some more denial.

The question is: What are you looking for from your parents? Do you just want to “come out” about the AS so that you don’t have to hide it? Or are you looking for some level of understanding and acceptance from them?

The first is much easier to achieve than the second, since the first depends only upon your willingness to stand your ground, whatever they say. The second one, I’m afraid, is not within your control, and it might be best not to get too attached to it. It’s fine to hope for it, but it’s also important to be realistic.

I really understand what a kick in the teeth it is to have your understanding denied like that. It’s happened to many of us. So know that you’re not alone.

As for what Aspies can achieve…Perhaps you should buy your parents one of Temple Grandin’s books for Christmas. Or maybe mention that Einstein had Asperger’s. It’s kinda hard to argue that Aspies can’t be high achievers when you throw Einstein into the mix.

By: Saja

Saja — Fri, 29 May 2009 13:13:22 +0000

Good luck!