I’ve wanted to write a post on Mr. Spock and how we navigate his Asperger’s, especially since April is Autism Awareness Month, but nothing would come. Actually, nothing inspirational would come. Everything I thought to write about was slightly depressing: the military precision with which I have to run my household, how every word out of my mouth is meaningful to him, and can be recalled as if there were a court reporter set up in my living room, how I have to bite my tongue when we go out so I am not mouthing, “he has Asperger’s,” with the same solemnity people use when they say someone got divorced or has a terminal illness. Or how much I’ve grown to hate Legos.

I am very fortunate this school year, in that Spock’s new school has a team that is working together to make his experience a good one. His math and reading skills are above grade level, though he needs the TA to scribe for him. His teacher gives him “jobs” to help integrate him into the classroom, and he is able to earn art time for predetermined “good behavior”.  His teacher is tech savvy, and he does a lot of homework on his iPad. Really, I can’t complain.

So, I decided to just ask Spock what he thought about Asperger’s. I got him at a good time, as he was jumping on his trampoline. He said, “Asperger’s. That’s what I have. That’s why sometimes things are difficult, like looking at people in the face. But don’t put a bumper sticker on your car! It’s not yours; it’s mine! And I’m better at putting things together than you. That’s all I want to say.”

Boom!