I Stand Quietly....

[QUOTE=happyandcontented;72271669]I don't believe that is a fair assessment based on my comments on here. I actually think I could turn that back on you......

I am not sure how you feel I have demonstated that by simply stating that it is for the long term good that those on the spectrum are encouraged from an early age to socialise ( within defined paramenters) rather than just remain isolated. Note, again, I said "encouraged" not forced.

There are, of course, many strategies, reading materials and even designated social behaviour ASD specialists around to help with the process as it is an well established concept.

Apologies again, for whatever it was that offended you about my comments. I am genuinely in the dark as they are so mainstream in their content.
[/QUOTE]

Exactly how i feel about your comments.
I think we should leave it be now, we both know how we feel about it, neither of us see eye to eye or agree with the other.
I can live with that.

AylesburyDuck wrote: »

Exactly how i feel about your comments.
I think we should leave it be now, we both know how we feel about it, neither of us see eye to eye or agree with the other.
I can live with that.

Fair enough, I imagine if other parents of ASD children/young people on here see my comments in the same light as you do they will comment. That would be useful so that I might gain an understanding of what it is you have objected to.

AylesburyDuck wrote: »

Thanks.
It's, very very saddening/disappointing your so closed minded then.

That may be the way you are construing things. Possibly your perception of others motives and opinions may not be correct.

Robisere wrote: »

Please tell me that you are encouraging this! How old is he? As a retired Motor Engineer and workshop foreman, I would have loved my gs to follow that path, although I would never have tried to force it, he went the way he needed to go. If your son is young, is he building kits of vehicles? Is there someone in the family with a similar interest?

Look for Auto Jumbles and Classic car shows locally, take him along. See what takes his attention best. If you drive and take your car to a local garage, take him with you next time. I can tell you that every mechanic likes to see young boys interested in what they do. I used to spend time with local boys at our garage, showing them things. two of those boys wound up working there.

My son is seventeen and yes, I encourage this - to be honest, it bores me silly at times, but it's important to him, so I listen and ask questions about engines, the history of Landrovers, etc. He built kits when he was younger, but not as often now.

We do visit classic car shows, our local transport museum, and similar events. He spent over six months volunteering with a local mechanic every Saturday. He is currently studying engineering at a specialist college, and recently did a week work experience with a large firm, which he loved. It wasn't connected with vehicles, but was still in his area of interests as it was engineering.

I haven't worked in paid employment since the boys were born, as my older son's needs were so significant (and later, my younger son's needs as well, but in a very different way). I do voluntary work that fits around my caring responsibilities. I used to worry that my children would grow up without a decent work ethic, but my daughter has worked since she was eighteen and recently applied for a higher level job, which she got. My older son is unlikely ever to work and attends a special school. My younger son is determined to get a good job in engineering, so hopefully he will achieve this. He knows his limitations, but does respond better to adults than his peers (although he has found a good group of friends at college, which I'm delighted about!).

I always encourage my children to enjoy and achieve as far as they are able - they are the most important people in my life, and I want them to be happy. Landrovers and motorbikes might do nothing for me, but as they are so important to my son, I listen, chat, ask questions, and show an interest.