AS people: we accepted their talents. We concealed their difficulties.

AS people: we accepted their talents. We concealed their difficulties.

I understood very early on that society admires the talents of AS people while neglecting the difficulties they encounter. “AS people” have always amazed the world with their gifts: Mozart, that mind both brilliant and eccentric whose music still moves us; Newton, Da Vinci or Tesla, obsessed with their research to the point of sometimes forgetting the world around them; and, closer to our time, Lionel Messi or Albert Einstein, each a prisoner of his own singular universe, yet capable of pushing the limits of what is possible.

To help a gifted child unfold all their abilities, we must rethink support from the very earliest stages of life:

● During prenatal life, establish an atmosphere of serenity and ensure attentive monitoring.

● At birth, offer a gentle, reassuring welcome to strengthen the feeling of trust.

● In the first months, respect the child's own rhythm, adapting every gesture to their sensitivity.

● Throughout education, see learning as an exciting adventure, structured around clear projects.

But this is not enough; we must go far beyond usual parenting practices:

1. Weave a close relationship with the child, in which dialogue is both formal and infused with gentleness, as when speaking to a friend;

2. Offer an almost constant presence—be truly 200% available;

3. Offer varied cultural, musical, artistic and philosophical stimulation, without ever turning discovery into an obligation;

4. Introduce individual sports (swimming, cycling, climbing…) to allow a passion to emerge, rather than a mere imposed exercise;

5. Enrich eating with dietary experiences: cook together, understand the effects of flavours, colours and ingredients;

6. Offer abundant books and exploration materials;

7. Develop positive willpower, support self-discovery through meditation, mindfulness or yoga;

8. Encourage technical curiosity: mechanics, electronics, the laws of physics and human psychology.

Intensive support

This intensive support is a real daily undertaking, far more demanding than what is usually offered to a child. However, it must never be imposed: learning must remain a pleasure. Above all, parents set an example through their natural, caring behaviour.

Indeed, while I was writing this book, my son, who has AS, came to interrupt my work many times; he also gave me valuable help in tracking down specialised information, living proof that exchange remains the greatest wealth.