I've rewritten this several times just to make sure it's right. My son was diagnosed ASD a little over a year ago. It's obvious to anyone who knew me growing up and knows my son that we are just alike. I've haven't been diagnosed, but I haven't talk to the doctors about it either. I'm not looking for verification or a peer to peer type diagnosis. That's just a little backstory for my question later. When I was growing up, not much was known about ASD, or at least it wasn't talked about much. I had good parents, so it isn't like I was abused for my behavior or anything, but I was punished and I remember being confused when I said I couldn't help it with various issues. I can still hear my dad telling me to think ahead before I act. He wasn't mean, I just don't think he understood.

Needless to say, my wife I are working very hard to understand more and raise my son to not be ashamed of it and to love who he is. My parents mistakes where honest and I know they loved me deeply, but they did make it difficult to understand who I am. So, instead of rambling further and making things more confusing, I'll just ask.

Is there anything you wish your parents or family would have know or did differently when you were growing up? I'm not asking anyone to give personal details they aren't comfortable with, obviously, I'm just concerned that I may make an honest mistake myself that makes it more difficult for him. My son is the most important person on the planet to me. I've read the side bar rules, but if I misunderstood something and posts like this aren't allowed, It won't bother me that it gets deleted, just please tell me what I misunderstood so I won't do it again.

Anything from a more educated or just more experienced perspective would be helpful. I'm sorry for the length, but thank you if you made it this far. We are leaving soon on a family trip, so I won't be able to reply right away, but I will read any replies and respond this evening once we've gotten settled into the hotel.