My son attended a school for special needs children. Asberger's and Tourette's were common syndromes among the school population. The Asberger's children often seemed to be rude or just not aware of their social incompetence. In the school setting, they functioned well with constant support and encouragemnet. But outside, both adults and children saw them as targets not recognizing the illness.

Tourette's sufferers were truly tragic. Normal or exceptional intelligence but seen as weird because of tics, shouts, and strange noises. I saw a TV documentary which followed the lives of several Tourette's patients. One was a brilliant surgeon - it was amazing to see him examining his patient while twitching and squeaking, then being totally in control in surgery. I admired him but I admired the school that chose to train him more. Hard to believe he has patients who trust him near them with a scalpel.

My son was friendly with one of the boys with Asburger's. We went to his home several times where the boys both loved video games and were equals in performance and enthusiasm. Away from the games, Robert did not respond to questions, greetings, anything and was often selectively mute. His parents had such love and patience. One of the good things that was available through the school was socila events where the teenagers could go to the movies or a dance and engage in "normal" teenage activities.

Sorry for going on...I am thinking of a few women I know who were involved with men who had less severe forms of Asberger's. I often wonder how they related well enough to form a relationship.