A lot has changed in ten years. When we first opened our doors in 2011, Asperger’s was still a diagnosis, distinct from autism in the DSM-IV. (Asperger’s actually shared a diagnostic code, 299.80, with the elusive PDD-NOS – Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified.) Books on Asperger’s could fit (mostly) on one bookcase. Our target population seemed clear, and clearly in need of understanding and support that many weren’t getting in traditional schools.

Fast forward to today, and, technically, there is no more Asperger’s. As a diagnosis, Asperger’s was removed from the Diagnostic & Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in 2013. Autism is now more clearly understood to be a spectrum, and Asperger’s Syndrome a part of that spectrum. So why do we still talk about Asperger’s?

Because our students are still here. Call it what you will, our students and graduates – and their elders with Asperger’s, continue to need understanding and support that they still aren’t getting in schools and workplaces. Some still identify with the Asperger’s label, and today, as ever, understanding is key. There is so much to understand – even more than we thought when we started. If ten years and 80+ students have taught us anything, it’s this: There is no “vanilla” Asperger’s (or autism).

In ice cream speak (with the weather warming…why not?!) the autism spectrum is often more like rainbow sherbet, spumoni or Neapolitan, with three or more “co-morbid” flavors. ASD, ADHD, and anxiety is a colorful combo we see quite often. Asperger’s is like raspberry ripple – almost vanilla, but not quite. And that “not quite” can really ripple a child, family, or classroom. The ripple could be anything…EF challenges, difficulty making friends, gender differences…you know what flavor ripple runs through your student. Actually, I might say Asperger’s is caramel oreo fudge ripple, because the ripple is usually more complex – and delicious – than a single flavor alone. On the whole, ASD is both sweet and sour (and often dairy-free) like lemon sorbet. And from a parent’s point of view, it requires plenty of self-care, maybe by way of Ben & Jerry’s flavors…like Coffee Coffee BuzzBuzzBuzz!, or Chocolate Therapy.

You get the point…these kids are complex, beautiful human beings. We love our time with them, and we celebrate them this month, in all of their glorious flavors – the ones we know, and the ones who are still to come. Happy Autism Month, TGS!

Photo Credit: Photo 4869898 © Maria Dryfhout Dreamstime.com