My eldest son (diagnosed Asperger's syndrome and SPD) is very intelligent. He started reading around age three. He is now 7 and in first grade although he is homeschooled and is academically somewhere between third and fourth grade with Math being his strongest subject. He is also very good with directions like he has a GPS built into his head. My middle child (diagnosed SPD) is also very bright and has a strong point in reading and art. She draws very detailed pictures for her age and is reading at a first grade level even though she only recently turned four. My youngest (diagnosed developmental delay and SPD although we think he may have autism) is 18 months old and even though he isn't talking at all due to his severe speech delay. He can point out a circle and a square when given a bunch of shapes, and can do four piece puzzles. He also loves music and seems to sense the rhythm well.

Thanks for this thread, I love bragging up my kiddos strong points. It makes the "special needs" seem more insignificant when you look at what they really are capable of. Sure my seven year old may not be able to be in the church Christmas program because of his sound sensitivities, but hey, he is brilliant and loves to play chess. My little guy may not be able to say mama but hey, he's learning his shapes! My daughter is not capable of sitting down and eating a "normal" dinner, but she can read a book to her baby brother.[/i]