"Asperger's syndrome is a developmental disorder that affects a person's ability to socialize and communicate effectively with others. Children with Asperger's syndrome typically exhibit social awkwardness and an all-absorbing interest in specific topics.
Doctors group Asperger's syndrome with other conditions that are called autistic spectrum disorders or pervasive developmental disorders. These disorders all involve problems with social skills and communication. Asperger's syndrome is generally thought to be at the milder end of this spectrum"  Taken from the Mayo Clinic website.

A child with Asperger's can be easy to spot.  They may seem quirky, aloof, and just plain odd.  Colton has been labeled as a "quirky" often and we are used to it.  He has a strong love for one interest and he will talk your ear off about it.  He struggles with conversations and what to do around others.  Sometimes he displays the wrong emotion because he isn't sure what emotion is appropriate.  Colton struggles with his peers.  Many times I  have to try to "explain" a social situation to help him work through it.  Kids naturally know what needs to be done to make friends, keep friends and how to interact with others.  Children on the spectrum don't have that ability which makes understanding Autism so important.  A child with Asperger's will often speak the truth or what is on their mind because they lack the filter that neurotypicals have.  If they don't like you, they will tell you.  If your breath stinks they will tell you in a heartbeat without thinking it could hurt your feelings.  A child on the spectrum needs to be taught how to interact with others and many use social stories to do this. 

December 20th and 22nd, 2011
Colton came home and reported he had been poked in the back repeatedly by a student and then days later kicked by the same one.  When we asked what had happened to cause it he said he didn't know.  I sent off an email to the guidance counselor and the teacher that had the class where the poking happened.  The teacher spoke to the student and she admitted to poking him repeatedly with her pencil.  When the teacher asked why she did it, she said Colton made fun of her name.  She told the teacher  she would not act out again, but get an adult.  The teacher spoke to Colton about the "name calling" and Colton told him what he called her.  The teacher also included in the email that Colton did not seem to not know it was bothering her.  The email from the guidance counselor stated he talked to Colton about it and that he did initiate the negative interaction with the other student.  It also stated if Colton is the one consistently starting the issue there will be a consequence.  I will share the horrible name that Colton called this student during class.  It was her given name.  She preferred to go by a nickname.

This interaction with the school only deepened my beliefs.  At least Christmas break was coming up.  As much as kids look forward to breaks, I found myself getting antsy for school to be out, even if it was for a day or two.