I took the kids the other day to a local hands on zoo. While we were walking around I happened to ask Jay the question, “Do you think animals have Aspergers?” He stopped and thought a moment before he answered, “Yes, some. Some animals our really smart, they outsmart their predators. They have to think in a different way to just survive. Those animals… yes they have Aspergers.” Wow how profound is that?

Today while downloading some other pictures off my camera I came across the zoo pictures. I called Jay in to take a look at them. “Which of these animals do you think has Aspergers, and why?”, I asked him.

Below is his response. I warn you ahead of time… be prepared to be amazed by the incredible insight my 10-year-old son has! I certainly was.

PIGS- “No way. These guys can’t look ahead to anything but their next meal. Not autistic… just hungry!”

GOATS- “These guys were smart. I mean they were reaching way over for food, and pushing each other out-of-the-way. But I don’t think they were Aspergers smart. They did not take matters into their own hands. They still sat there waiting for someone to come feed them.”

KANGAROO- “Most definitely have Aspergers! Just look at his face. It is wise. He was seeking answers… I can tell. Like me. Also whenever we got too close to his cage… he hopped back.”

PEACOCK- ” YES!!! Every peacock is different. Just like every Aspie kid is different.

EXOTIC BIRD- “Yes, cuz he has different colors. Autism is like having different colors.”

ANTELOPE- “This guy had Aspergers for sure. He followed us all around. He got stuck on something and just couldn’t get it out of his head. And he wanted to connect to someone. We all want that.”

PORCUPINE- “Yes, he was very smart. He was looking for a way out of his pen. He reminded me of me! He also had spikes to protect himself. I liked that.”

SNAKE- “Ahhh the snake. I think some snakes have Aspergers. The venomous ones. Those are sly and cunning. They are focused on what they want and are reckless in their pursuit of it. That is the good part about having Aspergers mom. You are really focused on your goals.”

ME: “And what is the bad part about having Aspergers?”

JAY: “You are really focused on your goals!”

I told you very profound! God I love my boy!

Be Sociable, Share!

•