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.