Where My Son Lives

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I know from personal experience that frustration of trying to find out what is wrong with your child is at a level that only parents who have gone or are going through can understand. It seems like world is against you as doctors treat you as nothing but paranoid parents looking for a reason to excuse their bad parenting. Of course that is where blame will always be placed by others…that as parents it is YOUR fault. There is no blame when it comes to Asperger’s or any other PDD disorder. There has been some research that shows a possible genetic connection but that is still not an excuse for blame. If I could offer any advice it would be to never give up. If one doctor won’t help you find another and do research especially on-line. There is excellent advice, support and resources to help you help your child. Saying that you need to mourn for your child probably sounds ridiculous because you have not lost him or her. I advise mourning as a way of dealing with fact that that perfect child you always dreamed of having who would be so popular and a star athlete just is not going to happen. That is not to say your child will not accomplish great things but it may not be in way you had hoped. Once you accept who your child is you will be much better equipped to help him focus on all special qualities he has. It will never be easy but with treatment programs and a lot of love, life of an Asperger’s child can be one of great joy and fulfillment for him and you parents.

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Cass Hope is the Mother of a 13 year old child with Asperger's Syndrome. She is actively involved in programs to help increase public awareness of Asperger's Syndrome. For more information and the latest news on Asperger's and related disorders visit: http://www.aspergers-online.info

Easy Steps to Prevent Mesothelioma

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Small asbestos fibers that enter air do not evaporate and can remain suspended in air for a long time. These fibers, when breathed into body, are toxic. There are three types of asbestos exposure. Occupational asbestos exposure: People working in factories that manufacure asbestos are likely to have a high exposure to asbestos and are most at risk of developing asbestosis or mesothelioma. Paraoccupational asbestos exposure: Family members of workers exposed to asbestos in workplace are susceptible to exposure from asbestos dust brought home by worker on his clothes or skin. Neighborhood asbestos exposure: Those who live in vicinity of an asbestos manufacturing plant are also at risk. Mesothelioma is still a relatively rare form of cancer. There are an estimated 2,000 - 3,000 new cases per year in United States. Approximately 7-13 per one million male patients with a history of asbestos exposure contract mesothelioma. Diagnosis usually occurs 20-40 years after initial exposure to asbestos.

Amie Perlowski writes about mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.