Discussion Forum—A Way with Words, a fun radio show and podcast about language

It shouldn't matter when a child does any of the big landmarks, as long as they do their best, and children don't do anything any other way. Everyone has handicaps, some are just not visible.

I had read someplace that since people with autism spectrum disorders often have communication delays. I think Asperger's syndrome people (Rain Man or 'high functioning' autism) sometimes have delayed beginning speech, but I do think the age of the first words are definitely not related to intelligence or education. I'd certainly believe the theory that they either don't have any thing to say or have a chance to get a word in edgewise. I think it was my problem. I also had, and probably still have, a hearing deficit at certain frequencies that some consonants are in. That's the story, anyway. My mother helped with the school vision and hearing tests, so that's were we found that out. I think Mom also found out I was very nearsighted at that time as well. I've worn thick glasses since I was seven.
My brother, now 62, has been diagnosed with Asperger's, diagnosed in the early 2000's, but he is also legally blind from retinopathy of prematurity at birth in 1947. Many of his quirks of Asperger's, back in the day before these things like autism, learning disabilities and mental health issues were invented, were attributed to his vision problems. He was mainstreamed his entire school time and taught a lot of teachers not to underestimate the 'handicapped'. I do believe he did start talking late, but I also know he hasn't shut up since. He has had his own business, officially, for 44 years this month. He fixes electric motors, all sizes and all ages and works with the warning sirens. His senses of touch and hearing are great and he is a genius with his memory and understanding of his specialties. On top of it, he is a pretty good musician, playing accordion, sax, keyboard, harmonica, pump, pipe and electronic organ and had a couple tries with calliopes. Hearing 'Roll out the Barrel' from a pipe organ is quite a treat. He is very quick with words and can come back with some sort of remark in almost all situations. I'm pretty proud of him, even though I can't live in the same town as he does. He's pretty nice to most other people.