J is not particularly artistic. He has made a remarkable rendition of the titanic on two monster pieces of paper - unfortunately the ship does not quite match up. He is also not particularly musically inclined. He joins in with enthusiasm, but not much talent. He has, however, become more skilled at his Viola.
In truth, it is not so much that J cannot do any of these things. It is more that he looses focus to the point where he is not quite successful. It is the duel combination of Asperger's and ADHD which leaves him recklessly impulsive. It is at times life threatening.
But like all (well perhaps not all) Aspies he has an intense focus on his obsessions. He has his little obsessions - such as a good book. He also has his obsessions for the time. This is currently Magic The Gathering (a card game) and Minecraft. Then he has his theme obsession, which is the Titanic and the ocean.
Why do I consider this a talent? I think it helps that I understand the pull of having an obsession, of needing one to feel complete. When I have not had something to focus in my interest then it is like a hole is missing in who I am. It is for this reason that I never try to force J away from his obsession. Instead I use it to help him to make good choices.
This year J has started designing an underground city. It is his aim to build it and make me live in it. This lead to me explaining claustrophobia to him. We have also talked about the scientific method, research, various materials, physics, and many more topics of conversation. Since J has never been shy he has also presented his plan to science teachers at school, engineers at church, and a plethora of other individuals.
It is my hope that he will having something a bit concrete and realistic (as opposed to random numbers he created) so that he can submit it to the district science fair.
An underwater city is cool, but I remember the time machine I was designing when I was his age. . . yep apple does not fall far from the tree.
No comments:
Post a Comment