"I will not let my disability define me, I will define my disability." Noah Goldstein, 18-year-old at high school graduation at Willow Hill School in Sudbury, MA, June 2016 True confession. Noah is my son who was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome at the age of four. As he explained last year to his graduating class of seven and their families he had been in denial about having Asperger's and had come to the conclusion of acceptance of who he is and why he sometimes behaves the way he does. Neither his father or I put a label on him until he was asking what his diagnosis is/was. I explained it to him, but reassured him he was extremely high-functioning and would be able to live a very ha
Rude Doctors, Rude Nurses, Rude Patients? Being rude to anyone at any time does not elevate you to a higher or more powerful position, right? I recently read a NYT's article -- Rude Doctors, Rude Nurses, Rude Patients. I understand all sides of this equation -- except there might have been a mention of rude family members as well. They're/we're out there too. I agree with Mr. Perri Klass, M.D. that rudeness begets rudeness in the end. However, I also believe that many (not all) medical professional's behavior when communicating with their patients may not be classified as rude, but perhaps -- less caring and compassionate than we -- as patients -- might prefer. Our experience of clin
