By the time Spencer was 3,family and friends sensed that something was very different about him. He was extremely bright,but struggled with nonverbals, thrived on structure and had difficulty with social rules. He also had some sensory issues. It had been stressful for William and Diana to deal with schizophrenia and Spencer's difficulties. Diana was doing well and was enjoying a getaway weekend in Reno with William,including Mass at Fr. John's parish. Veronica was babysitting Spencer.

Spencer was sitting on the floor counting his toy blocks by 2's.

"2,4,6,8,10.. "

"Dinner,Spencer. First dinner, than blocks. I have Mac and Cheese."

"Yay."

He looked at the home made meal that looked different from his mom's boxed version, apprehensively. He took a bite and couldn't stand the cheese sauce. He couldn't verbalize it well,but the texture was sure different and it made him uncomfortable.

"Yucky, very,very weird. I want my Mommy's cheese." He began to cry.

"Oh,Spencer. Can you try to eat just a little?"

He did,but couldn't stand it and began to cry some more. It turned into a tantrum.

"Spencer, would you like peanut butter and jelly?"

"Yes,please."

"Spencer, what would make you feel better? Let's calm down. Deep breaths."

"Mommy says I don't like change or different."

"Your Mommy is very smart. Her brain is a little different too. Different is ok."

"2,4,6,8 who do we appreciate? Spencer, Spencer, Spencer! Mommy does that."

"Great,Spencer. You like that don't you!"

"I love numbers and words."

Veronica knew she should really speak to her colleague who was originally from Germany and had been studying the work of a Hans Asperger,whose work had yet to be translated into English. Spencer had great verbal skills, so the diagnosis of infantile autism that was in the DSM, the book used by mental health professionals to diagnose didn't seem to apply, but it seemed like this Hans Asperger was describing Spencer.

That evening when Diana and William arrived,Spencer was asleep.

"How's Spencer?" Asked Diana.

"He's doing well now, sleeping. He had a tantrum over some sensory issues. Not a fan of the thick real cheese in homemade macaroni and cheese, I'm afraid. How was your weekend?"

"Wonderful. Fr. John says hello. But then on the way back William listened to Brick House and Devil With the Blue Dress On."

"You sure you know the way to that feminist's heart William?"

"She made me listen to Helen Reddy."

"Good compromise, Diana. I think Spencer really likes spending time with you."

"Do you think I'm a refrigerator mother? Is it my fault Spencer is different? His pediatrician says.."

"Diana, that man needs to retire if he still believes in that theory."

"He also said that he may have a mild form of infantile autism and that might have something to do with childhood Schizophrenia, but that can't be right" exclaimed William.

"He's at a University of Nevada Clinic? Dear God,that's outdated. I will bring that to the attention of the administration and the licensing board."

"Oh, thank God." Diana made the sign of the cross.

"Let me get in touch with a colleague who has knowledge of children with similar differences as Spencer."

"That sounds good. I'm sometimes afraid his behavior will be enough stress to lead to another break,but yet, I love my baby."

"I understand, Diana. Now, I'll see you later, my night class starts soon."

"Goodnight" said Diana and William in unison. They hoped Veronica's friend would shine some more light on Spencer.