Autism, in the form of high-functioning and Asperger\'s Syndrome, runs in my family. I have two daughters, they both have it and it affects both of them very differently.
My oldest daughter is a human calculator, has almost a photographic memory, fluently speaks more than five languages and is fabulous cook who specializes in international cuisine. Always a serious, studious, quiet and observant child, she grew up to work for a federal agency.
My youngest daughter is more of a free spirit. She is creative and paints/draws beautifully, speaks six languages fluently and reads heiroglyphics, she is a talented baker who specializes in pastries and cake decorating.
Both girls have struggled with social interactions because they are blunt and honest when they speak to others. One might think that is a good thing and in some situations it can be. The downside is trying to explain to a small child that her friend won\'t speak to her anymore because, when she was asked, my daughter said the friend\'s new haircut looked terrible. After years of trying, I have concluded that an autistic child cannot be taught to schmooze, it\'s impossible.
I was in my 40s before I was correctly diagnosed as autistic.
The Sims games were instrumental in helping my youngest daughter to gain a grasp of cause and effect. She loves the Sims and after watching me make some patterns, she wanted to make some as well. Her computer is old and can\'t run Sims 3 so she used my computer to create the Orange Lace and Bows, Gothic Lattice, Ribbons and Flowers, and the Flower and Bow Stripe.
This blog post is to say Thank You to all who have downloaded my daughter\'s patterns--she sees your downloading her patterns as a means of social acceptance/approval and you have made her happy.
