Asperger's Syndrome

As parents, we believe our children are the most special gifts the Lord has blessed us with.

I've been doing a bit of research on AS. There's plenty of information accessible through books on the subject, online Web sites, as well as presentations in special education seminars. AS falls on the high-functioning end of the autism spectrum. The many resources provide help in developing coping strategies, and ways to prepare the child and family for dealing with AS.

This relatively new diagnosis is being discovered by more and more families who have had to suffer through the difficulties of raising children with AS.

Characteristics of Asperger's Syndrome:

• May move into the personal space of others, not recognizing body language, facial and verbal cues that he/she has transgressed
  
• May not make direct eye contact
  
• Lack of emotional reciprocity or empathy Rigid and inflexible adherence to specific routines or rituals
  
• Stereotyped and repetitive motor movements
  
• Persistent preoccupation with parts of objects
  
• Friends and new acquaintances may be acknowledged with tight and enthusiastic hugs instead of formal greetings like “Hi, how are you?”
  
• May begin to talk about the latest topic of concern which is of interest only to themselves (e.g., train schedules), may be age inappropriate or boring but the person does not pick up on looks of disinterest or snickers from the group.
  
• Speech and language peculiarities such as: stilted and formal language, voice too loud or monotone or hyperverbal.
  
• Hypersensitivity to noises or smells
  
• Cognitive abilities which are average or above average (They are often known as “little professors”)
  
• Difficulties with subjects that require inferential reasoning, abstract concepts, problem solving, extensive calculations or social judgements.
  
• Fine motor problems which lead to poor penmanship and low writing motivation
  
• Gross motor clumsiness which leads to poor skills in competitive sports and physical activities
  
• Depression, frequent school absences, low school motivation due to being socially vulnerable and easy targets for teasing and bullying
  

Links about Asperger's Syndrome:

• Asperger's Syndrome, a description


• O.A.S.I.S., Online Asperger's Syndrome Information and Support


• Mozart and the Whale, a movie about someone with AS, starring Josh Hartnett and Radha Mitchell.

Perhaps this information will shed some light on why someone you know and love acts the way he or she does. Sometimes it can be difficult to understand a beautiful mind.

Aloha, Joe

In A Cinch

A cinch can be like a tight grip, or it can be something that is easy or will be done with certainty. I've been giving guitar lessons for a little while, and sometimes the songs come easy, and other times it takes a lot more effort. While listening to a local mariachi band perform at a friend's daughter's Quinceanera (had to look that one up), there was an amazing variety of guitars and playing styles that blended with great vocal harmonies. I wondered how many of the musicians had taken formal music lessons, or had any received guitar lessons from older family members as I did. My uncle gave me the basics, and there was always an acoustic guitar or two laying in my grandparents' parlor. Grandpa played songs from the old country. The songs he played were slow and easy, and his mellow voice was soothing.

Grandpa taught me how to create things using my hands. He showed me how to work with wood, build things, fix things, and make improvements in this world. I miss Grandpa.

A recent song I created has been published at music.download.com: In A Cinch
http://music.download.com/jazzairwaves/3600-8422_32-100215330.html

Aloha, Joe

Creative Outlet

Use to be that all I needed was a sketch pad and set of good drawing pencils for creative expression. Learning to play the guitar was another way to let out emotions that felt trapped inside. What is this new window opening? Can be invigorating to design and launch a new Web site, pages filled with all kinds of art and music and ideas. I've never kept a journal, though I had a few of those blank books filled with drawings and notes. Maybe I'll share some. Or maybe not.

Aloha, Joe

Jazz Airwaves Blog

Short-notice mission launch, Jazz Airwaves blog is airborne.

Aloha, Joe