Week 27

This week we went to a book signing at the Mahopac Library to meet Jesse Saperstein.  He spoke for over an hour sharing stories about his life and what it is like living with Asperger's.  He has a great personality and his speech was insightful.  He's also a wonderful role model and it would be great to have him as a resource to meet with the kids in my school.  I know for me, and other parents there that day, it was inspirational.  He reinforced what we've been questioning all along... Ryan is going to be okay.  He will go on to graduate high school and college, and be able to accomplish things that he puts his mind to.  Because of his social awkwardness he will probably get bullied and made fun of, especially in his teenage years.  But when the time comes we will work through it.  Click here to go to Jesse's website.

One of the amazing things Jesse discussed was his 7 month hike of the Appalachian Trail (from Georgia to Maine) to raise money for the Joey DiPaolo Aids Foundation.  From this link you can reach Jesse's blog during his hike, and read more about the foundation.  http://www.hikeforaids.org/

We purchased two copies of his book, one to read and share with others who would like to read it, and another that I will put away for Ryan and let him read it when he's a teenager.  Jesse signed Ryan's book and wrote him a message.               

He also took a picture with Ryan and Julia.  At first Ryan was shy and didn't want to stand up next to Jesse.  So Jesse sat on the floor next to Ryan, and that made him smile just long enough for me to snap a shot.  Julia was her usual self when it comes to Ryan - excited to be included in something having to do with her big brother!

DC