From Autism Today, written by Jene Aviram.
http://www.autismtoday.com

Autism!  Pdd nos!  Aspergers syndrome!  ADHD!  High functioning!  Low
functioning!  Delayed!  Hearing these words about your child can be crushing.
They can devastate you to your very core.  The good news is THEY DON'T HAVE TO!
Let me tell you why....

It doesn't matter.  That's right.  It simply doesn't matter.  If you want to
really help your child then read on.  I'm serious.  Don't be like the thousands
who wish they had "lived" this concept sooner.

Pretend for a moment you have a newborn.  He is simply perfect.  By the time he
is two years old, his fingers are so long, they look strange.  You go to a
renowned physician and ask "What's wrong with my child?  Why are his fingers so
long?".  The physician smiles and says "Your child has a condition called
spindle fingers.  He has a natural gift for playing musical instruments.  Many
dream of having this talent".

You're absolutely thrilled and can't wait to share the news. You rush home but
on the way you stop to buy a toy xylophone, piano, drum set and flute.  You set
them out on the floor when you get home and you watch proudly as your toddler
strums each one of them.  You don't care that everyone else thinks it just
sounds like noise.  You have a budding musician on your hands and he's
practicing!

As the months go by you encourage your child to play instruments.  He gets a
little older and expresses his preference for the piano.  You take him to piano
lessons, listen to famous piano players and perhaps even go to concerts.  You
explain to your son that his fingers are long because he is talented at playing
the piano. Your son plays the piano beautifully.  He is proud of his fingers and
his talent.  You are proud of your son.

You run into the physician a few years later.  You tell him proudly about your
child's piano skills.  He smiles broadly and says "I made it all up.  There is
no condition called spindle fingers".  "What?" you shriek "that's impossible.
My child is an excellent player".

"Of course he is" says the physician "It's called belief.  You believed in your
child's fingers.  You believed in his talent.  You encouraged him. It didn't
matter how many mistakes he made.  You hardly heard them because you knew he was
on the path to greatness.  Your son felt your belief.  He saw it in your eyes.
He felt it course through his being.  It inspired him.  Every time he looked at
his long fingers he thought about his talent.  He felt proud of himself.  He
knew he could do it.  Your unwavering faith inspired him to be the best he can
be".

My advice to you is this.  Forget about the boxes and the labels.  Ignore the
judgments.  Your child is fascinating.  Your child is a unique and wonderful
being who is incredibly special.  Give him the tools.  Encourage him on his
journey.  Never lose faith in him.  Stand by his side.  Teach him as much as you
can.  Watch in delight as he soars far beyond everyone's expectations.
Everyone's except yours and all those who joined your belief along the way!