Kraig
Tuesday, September 23, 2008

We Are All Equal!

Having Aspergers Syndrome is something Kraig is very proud of. He says that being an Aspie along with having ADHD "makes me very creative!"

At the Autism Walk 2006, Kraig saw a sign that said "walk for a cure." He immediately looked at me and said, "I don't want a cure! I like my Aspergers!" I replied, "Don't worry Kraig, you will always have your Aspergers."

Over the years we have taught Kraig everything we could about his Aspergers (in an age-appropriate way). You can hear him saying, "Don't tease me, I don't understand jokes well." Or, when neighborhood friends of his older brother ask him where he goes to school, he will reply, "I go to a school for children with learning disabilities; please don't treat me any different."

Kraig sees his Aspergers as a gift, just as we see him as a gift. He also knows somewhere inside of him that people can see him as "different" at times.

When creating this picture during art class in school, Kraig kept to a theme which he usually draws about (when he is not drawing cartoon characters and action figures). Kraig draws about equality. He has the strong belief, in his heart, that people are equal and are to be accepted ... no matter what.

Regardless of race, age, gender, handicap etc., Kraig will never accept anyone mistreating another. And true to the personality of an Aspie - mind to mouth speaking - Kraig lets everyone know his feelings.

I hope this gives some insight into the drawing submitted by my son.

Thank you,
Lorraine