mom of a 22 year old with asperger's

by penny perrier
(Ottawa canada)

My daughter, Sarah was busy folding paper origami cranes when i noticed she was getting quite a collection of paper 'cranes'. Thinking at first that she was perhaps being overly focused and displaying the obsessive side of her that we have so often observed, I finally asked why she was folding so many of the same thing. Rather matter of factly she explained her project.

She had read a story about paper origami cranes representing good health, and that if one was to fold 1,000 of these cranes, it would bring good health and healing to someone in need. Sarah went on to explain how 'Andrew' at school had been diagnosed with cancer and if she could fold 1,000 for him, maybe his cancer would be cured.

|Sarah was in Grade ten at high school at the time and as most kids with Aspergers, had faced constant bullying. Andrew was a boy who would occasionally "allow" her to join in the lunch hour basketball play that happened between himself and a few of his buddies, much to their chagrin.

She managed to fold 1,000 in a relatively short amount of time. We strung them together and hung them from a metal ring.

On the day of delivery, Andrew seemed a little shocked and somewhat embarrassed but he graciously accepted and thanked Emily for her original well intentioned project.

Despite the unintentional rude behaviours that are a part of AS, this act showed an enormous amount of kindness that is so very endearing to her nature.