There is a nation in our world today that is totally invisible… well, at least most of the time. It is a non-political nation. This nation often endures great poverty. Its citizens are sometimes treated quite unfairly by those in other nations. Until recently, those who needed help in this nation weren’t allowed to save money up for any big goals. For many, their every move is watched, judged and others feel they should be in complete control of these invisible citizens. The nation has no name or geographical boundaries. Many people who gave birth to these invisible citizens wish they could create an island where this nation could reside in safety and with the respect of other nations. This nation has been called by several labels… Level 1 Autism… Asperger Syndrome… High-Functioning Autism… even Uniquely Human. I know about this nation, because my first-born child is a citizen of that nation.

Many times in my life as the parent of someone with “level 1 autism” or “Asperger Syndrome”, I’ve endured pain, frustration and even embarrassment over the fact that my daughter’s truly significant challenges and the behavior they sometimes instigate are misinterpreted. People think or say things like, “Did you ever try spanking her as a child?”… or “No one ever taught her manners.”… or “What a totally selfish and rude person.”

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