I've met so many parents of the kids who are on the low end of the autism spectrum, kids who are diametrically opposed to Jacob, with his Asperger's. They tell me I'm lucky to have a son who's verbal, who is blisteringly intelligent, who can take apart the broken microwave and have it working again an hour later. They think there is no greater hell than having a son who is locked in his own world, unaware that there's a wider one to explore. But try having a son who is locked in his own world and still wants to make a connection. A son who tries to be like everyone else but truly doesn't know how.
The author reflects on the experiences of parents of children with varying degrees of autism, particularly contrasting their situations with that of her son Jacob, who has Asperger's syndrome. While some parents express sympathy, believing that having a verbal and intelligent child like Jacob is fortunate, they often overlook the unique challenges he faces. Jacob’s abilities, including fixing technical devices, highlight his intelligence, yet he struggles with social connections.
She emphasizes that having a child who is cognitively aware yet socially disconnected can be incredibly challenging. Jacob's desire to fit in and connect with others is overshadowed by his difficulty in understanding social cues. This creates a different kind of struggle for the family, as they navigate both his intellect and his isolation, illustrating that each child's autism presents its own set of complexities.