Magnus wrote:
I can talk to kids and teenagers on their level so I would doubt they would think I was being weird about it. There is nothing wrong with family members supporting one another. The best way for a child to learn is by example. The kid is 17 years old and an aspie which seems to me that he is probably less mature than the normal kids. If you explain this to them, they will get it. It's not a hard concept to grasp and it is a least worth a try to show them the correct way to behave.
I also wanted to add that when I was around that age there was a boy who liked me. He was different, maybe he had asperger's, but he definitely had something. Everyone thought it was funny that he liked me and they would tease me in good fun. One day, a group of my friends told him to go wait for me over by this platform and he did. They all thought it was hilarious because each would take turns walking past asking him if I came yet and so on. When I found out, I felt really bad but it was funny. I hate to admit that hanging around with popular people can be lots of fun because they are always playing pranks like that and not just on the socially ret*d, but on each other as well.
It's all fun when it's being done on the same playing level but this kid has issues that doesn't allow him to see it there way. When NT's joke like that with each other they get each other back and it's all part of the game. They went out of bounds with this kid.
He should try to laugh it off and get them back and if he was normal or older he might be able to do that. However he seems really hurt by this so it's out of his hands unfortunately. Sometimes NT's get carried away with this game and it turns into bullying and then the whole crowd mentality supports it. That is why I said single out the girl and watch how they all react when you make her feel like a heel. I know it's manipulative but it is just normal NT behavior.
What you're describing seems petty, to contrive and play at the same loathesome game that started the whole thing to begin with. High school kids, despite some astounding deficiencies in common sense and analytical skills nowadays, can easily be spoken to directly... this is not the issue. But by interceding on his behalf, it can also substantially increase the occasion for taunting and abuse. The better solution, in my mind, is to talk to him and allow him to respond appropriately - not to rush as a mother hen to protect the nest. Disagree strongly with "it's all fun on a level playing field" - that's complete BS. It's cruel.
M.
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For those who seek an alternative, it is coming.
So long, and thanks for all the fish!
13 Sep 2008, 6:33 pm
