I just wanted to share this because it has warmed the hearts of our family and brought so much joy to us today.
My 18 year old nephew has Asperger's Syndrome which, for anyone unfamiliar, is in the same family of conditions as Autism. He is a beautiful young man loved unconditionally by his entire extended family but he does not have any friends and school has been a difficult time for him socially for his whole schooling life. To his credit and the credit of my sister and her husband, tonight he graduates from mainstream High School at his end of year School Formal. The lovely part of the story, beyond this wonderful achievement, is that the female school captain (head girl or prefect in UK terms I think) asked him to be her partner at the formal. They will have photos taken together, arrive in a limousine and for this one night, he will be part of everything, included, and have on his arm the most beautiful, popular girl at school. I got off the phone from him this afternoon in tears, he was so delighted and excited beyond measure. What a beautiful gesture from this womderful girl who could have chosen anyone, and she chose him. Nothing less than he deserves but not something he ever expected. It's made his year and what a wondeful note to end his school days on.
From a very very proud Aunty