My son has Aspbergers. He is socially awkward but never had those problems. He is also brilliant and knows so much more than I will ever know. But I am not sure he fits in even now. He has major struggles with life now but can also do so many things. When I learned about autism and Temple Grandin and others I decided these are like the mutants in Xmen. They have super powers along with their poor social skills. If only we can let them put them to good use. I know my son can perform amazing things if given the right chance.......Thank you Sean for wonderful story about how people can be very different but very amazing.....
My grandson is the same. Has never been officially diagnosed. He is “smarter than the average bear” and just hasn’t found his niche yet. But when he does, his light will shine brighter than the sun.
Funny how so many truly brilliant people have learning disabilities and lack social skills as children and young adults. I know someone who is bi-polar. As a teenager he took an antique beat up Studebaker completely apart and rebuilt it to its original glory. I bet you have a plethora of stories about people like Al to share with us.
This is my daughter, kind of. Delayed in all milestones. She did graduate HS thanks to a personalized program and her grit. College? No. Although I tell her not never, just not yet. But the very school system she worked so hard in gave her a job as a teachers aide. Her dream, to work with kids. And it was hard! Probation the entire year as she struggled but finally, permanent spot! A pension! She’s well loved by the kids, growing on the more skeptical staff. Who knows what she may accomplish!
Yes, giftedness often comes with a row of quirks. We have four of these kids and it's never easy. But what a blessing they are! Loving, kind, and funny when they are with people who "get" them.
As a parent of a child on the autism spectrum who also has sensory integration I can completely relate to this. He was bullied and lagged behind in school. He had developmental assistance from kindergarten through graduation and that even adds to the bullying. But he made it through. He tried a local community college for a while but it proved too much. He worked a few part time jobs after school but I realized that he would thrive if he could get a remote job. Speaking on the phone is not a problem, but he struggles severely with social interaction. He's a genius with anything electronic. He ended up getting a job exactly like that and he's brilliant at it. He's moved upwards 3 times and now, 10 years later, he's actually leading a team. He never ceases to amaze me on how his brain can hold large amounts of statistical data. He's my own Albert Einstein. ❤️
Not a surprise story for me. As a teacher I knew this tale and other brilliant mind stories that contributed amazing wonders! I hold on to hope with kids….and believe, as much as I can, there is purpose for each one! A young middle schooler was labeled with learning problems I taught (years ago). His thinking and conversation showed a bright mind but he was challenged with reading and writing. Fast forward…..while in high school, his science teacher recognized his higher thinking level….way above any student he’d ever taught! He sent him to the front of the class and asked him to teach the lesson that day….the guy did amazingly well and with ease! Wish that I knew where he landed! Investing in lives is the greatest investment!!!!
This happens more than we would like to think. As a former teacher sometimes children get left behind because we want them to all be alike. Fit the mold. That simply isn’t true and God bless the teachers that recognize that and help those students.
I have a grandson that pretty much fit this description. He did not skip class but was disruptive, spoke out of place, corrected his teacher constantly, socially awkward, and bored at school.
Today, he is married, studying for his Doctorate in Bio-Chemistry, full scholarship at Duke University and happy with his life. And, to think his parents and grandparents worried about his future!
Isn’t amazing how we believe we are a country of differences until someone exhibits them. Then we become conformist. There are so many stories throughout the history of humanity of people who could not conform, to the judgments of others, and when they were given an opportunity to grow into themselves they blossomed. That is one of the beauties of life, learning to grow into our own authentic self despite what culture or society determines is best for us.
Please continue to tell these stories. They are important to remember. They help show us how to become. Be blessed Sean, Wonderful Storyteller.
My son has Aspbergers. He is socially awkward but never had those problems. He is also brilliant and knows so much more than I will ever know. But I am not sure he fits in even now. He has major struggles with life now but can also do so many things. When I learned about autism and Temple Grandin and others I decided these are like the mutants in Xmen. They have super powers along with their poor social skills. If only we can let them put them to good use. I know my son can perform amazing things if given the right chance.......Thank you Sean for wonderful story about how people can be very different but very amazing.....
My grandson is the same. Has never been officially diagnosed. He is “smarter than the average bear” and just hasn’t found his niche yet. But when he does, his light will shine brighter than the sun.
Funny how so many truly brilliant people have learning disabilities and lack social skills as children and young adults. I know someone who is bi-polar. As a teenager he took an antique beat up Studebaker completely apart and rebuilt it to its original glory. I bet you have a plethora of stories about people like Al to share with us.
I'll bet it was a Golden Hawk...
This is my daughter, kind of. Delayed in all milestones. She did graduate HS thanks to a personalized program and her grit. College? No. Although I tell her not never, just not yet. But the very school system she worked so hard in gave her a job as a teachers aide. Her dream, to work with kids. And it was hard! Probation the entire year as she struggled but finally, permanent spot! A pension! She’s well loved by the kids, growing on the more skeptical staff. Who knows what she may accomplish!
Yes, giftedness often comes with a row of quirks. We have four of these kids and it's never easy. But what a blessing they are! Loving, kind, and funny when they are with people who "get" them.
As a parent of a child on the autism spectrum who also has sensory integration I can completely relate to this. He was bullied and lagged behind in school. He had developmental assistance from kindergarten through graduation and that even adds to the bullying. But he made it through. He tried a local community college for a while but it proved too much. He worked a few part time jobs after school but I realized that he would thrive if he could get a remote job. Speaking on the phone is not a problem, but he struggles severely with social interaction. He's a genius with anything electronic. He ended up getting a job exactly like that and he's brilliant at it. He's moved upwards 3 times and now, 10 years later, he's actually leading a team. He never ceases to amaze me on how his brain can hold large amounts of statistical data. He's my own Albert Einstein. ❤️
We all need someone to believe in us and show gentle human kindness.❣️🙌
A very good reminder. Thanks. I am that child, in a sense. Except for the talking. Sadly, I talked. And talked. Yikes! Now I write.
Like Sean, some of us have things that need to be said.
The bottom line is don’t judge others! You never know what that person is capable of!
God made us all unique and important. That’s why abortion keeps me awake, who did we allow to perish that would have changed the world!🌎 🙏🏻✝️
The most dangerous place in America is in the womb.
There is always hope that a person will find their strengths and thrive, given time.
Not a surprise story for me. As a teacher I knew this tale and other brilliant mind stories that contributed amazing wonders! I hold on to hope with kids….and believe, as much as I can, there is purpose for each one! A young middle schooler was labeled with learning problems I taught (years ago). His thinking and conversation showed a bright mind but he was challenged with reading and writing. Fast forward…..while in high school, his science teacher recognized his higher thinking level….way above any student he’d ever taught! He sent him to the front of the class and asked him to teach the lesson that day….the guy did amazingly well and with ease! Wish that I knew where he landed! Investing in lives is the greatest investment!!!!
Confidence and someone to believe in us can do wonders!
This happens more than we would like to think. As a former teacher sometimes children get left behind because we want them to all be alike. Fit the mold. That simply isn’t true and God bless the teachers that recognize that and help those students.
I have a grandson that pretty much fit this description. He did not skip class but was disruptive, spoke out of place, corrected his teacher constantly, socially awkward, and bored at school.
Today, he is married, studying for his Doctorate in Bio-Chemistry, full scholarship at Duke University and happy with his life. And, to think his parents and grandparents worried about his future!
All because ONE supervisor gave him a shot……. we need to be that Supervisor.
Isn’t amazing how we believe we are a country of differences until someone exhibits them. Then we become conformist. There are so many stories throughout the history of humanity of people who could not conform, to the judgments of others, and when they were given an opportunity to grow into themselves they blossomed. That is one of the beauties of life, learning to grow into our own authentic self despite what culture or society determines is best for us.
Please continue to tell these stories. They are important to remember. They help show us how to become. Be blessed Sean, Wonderful Storyteller.
Beautiful description and absolutely true. “Be yourself” but then the whispers start…