For high-functioning autistic individuals, such as those with Asperger's syndrome, like my son "recovery" is an upsetting concept because it implies they have something to recover from.
In our family we disagree on the recovery or cure concept when it comes to autism. Can children with Asperger improve their behavior to a certain degree? Yes I have experienced personally: that can happen, they can surprise you and behave in ways you never thought would be possible! However that does not mean they are 'recovered'. Research has shown 'abnormalities' on chromosomes # 11 and #16 in children and adults with autism. Somehow these two chromosomes differ from the ones us 'neuro-typicals' have. Can you truly recover from that? I don't think so. Still many parents out there are trying to find ways to have their children recover from Asperger or autism. I respect that search but for me personally, I would much rather spend my time and energy on finding ways to help my children deal with their autism and come to terms with it. That way, later on in life they can stand tall and say: yes I do have it, and that does not make me any less valuable than those who don't have it.
I believe my children, age 13 and 9, both with autism spectrum disorders, are not in need to recover because they are not sick. They do not have a disease and are not in need for a cure. Yes, they are allowed to be who they are. So arrest me for not joining the search for an Autism recovery!
Let's take my oldest son, a typical 13 year old Asperger as an example:
So his brain works in a different way, the information he gets is processed differently in his head. So what? He is a very smart guy, with lots of humor and we laugh a lot. He is the most honest person I have ever met and I learned to love his bluntness. It's so pure to look at life the way he does. He works hard in school and gets high grades, he want to go to university. He is fun to be around with and always willing to help me with chores around the house. He likes to cook and help out vacuuming or mopping our floors. He has a paper round with little over a 100 papers that need to be delivered once a week, and he is out there rain or shine!
I don't want him to change. He is just great the way he is. Why are we all so afraid of some-one being different? What if he does not want the social interaction with his peers but prefers to stay home in his room and read encyclopedia's, study or play strategic games on his computer? So what! What is he is unable to relate to his peers and prefers the company of adults? So what! I agree with the fledgling neurodiversity movement. This is their point of view on recovering from autism:
The fledgling neurodiversity movement argues that autism is not a disorder-it's a unique way of thinking and viewing the world, and one that should be embraced, not "cured." To those on the spectrum, recovery sounds as if someone wants to mess with their brain wiring, rather than the side effects.
Both my sons are unique in many ways and I love them dearly. I have dedicated my time and energy to accept them for who they are. In the mean time I am trying to create more autism awareness around the world, and hope the world can become a better place for them to be in. That way people know I am not talking about the vegetable asparagus! Go to: http://www.Asperger-Advice.com to learn all there is to know about Asperger!
Joy de Vries has two sons age 13 and 9 diagnosed with Asperger, a form of autism. Together with Asperger's both boys also have ADHD and the youngest one has a touch of Tourette Syndrome. Life in their home can be a little hectic from time to time.... Her mission is to educate people arround the world on the ins and outs of Asperger and other forms of autism by emphasizing the positive side of things! check out her Asperger website: www.Asperger-Advice.com
Apart from being a mother of two she has a bachelor degree in nursing and teaching aswell as a masters degree in educational science. She is currently working part-time at a Dutch university as an educationlist, designing trainings and E-learnings for doctors and nurses.
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. Her mission is to educate people arround the world on the ins and outs of Asperger and other forms of autism by emphasizing the positive side of things! check out her Asperger website: 
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