BTW--if any of you have a ping list (or know of a ping list) specifically for challenged families, call 'em up!
Generally speaking, Aspergers kids are on the high-end of the autistic spectrum meaning that they tend to have higher I.Q's and more potential for learning. Trouble is, they lack instinctive behaviors and need help "scripting" prior to social events and other real world experiences. They can't "face read" or understand body language without coaching, tend to focus on one or two "obsessions" which consumes their interest (movies, history, clocks, etc.). Things like that. I've got the best book ever written (I think) called The Everything Guide to Parents with Aspergers Children and I wish I had it with me to list other traits but a search engine will enlighten anyone interested.
Diagnosis is easy if you find someone who specializes in kids on the autistic spectrum. The doc we had diagnosed my daughter with a questionnaire in 15 minutes. Treatments vary but it's important to get special ed help throughout school, even though some parents resist because they don't want to stigmatize their child.
Raising an AS child is totally difference from a "normal" one, so much so that I've become more like her than my other daughter who doesn't seem to "get" either of us! I've learned to love her for who she is, not for who I think she should be. She's opened me to a whole new world of love and understanding--and patience.
Ping