Asperger’s Syndrome has affected many people, even though it can go unrecognized.

The term is now obsolete, and the neurobiological condition is now considered to be a sub-type of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

According to The Autism Speaks website, one out of every 36 children has been found to have autism. Those who have been diagnosed with it include Elon Musk, Anthony Hopkins, Dan Ackroyd, and David Byrne

Tim and Carol Herd, who have lived in the area of Bath, Northampton County, wrote a book about the Asperger’s struggles of their son Philip.

The book is “Stepping Stones: Our Pathfinding Adventure with Asperger’s“ by Tim and Carol Herd with Philip Herd (154 pages; WestBow Press; paperback, $16; audiobook, $3; 2024).

Philip writes about himself in one of the book’s final chapters.

In a phone interview from their home in State College, Tim and Carol describe how their son was a “reluctant pioneer,” being the first in his school to receive a diagnosis of Asperger’s. He attended Moore Elementary School, Northampton Area Middle School and Northampton Area High School in Northampton Area School District.

“We did not have any clue,” says Carol. “So many more children are found to have it in schools now. Often, it is found in pre-school screening.”

“Schools are much better-equipped these days,” says Tim. “It was rough going until we got the diagnosis, which explained Philip’s behavior problems.”

Children on the ASD spectrum have difficulty relating to others. They have communication difficulties and have trouble making friends, often making them the target of bullies.

“He was bullied by other kids and he would lash out when the kids were persistent,” says Carol.

The book relates that in the eighth grade, Philip is alleged to have punched another student who was said to have been harassing him.

Another incident had Philip muttering under his breath, “I’m gonna kill him!,” which was reported by two girls.

Because of “zero-tolerance” policies, this led to a five-day suspension and a grilling at police headquarters by a detective.

Philip was never dangerous, his parents say, and he only reacted in anger to provocation. “Today, this type of case would be referred to a school psychologist or a caseworker instead of the police,” says Tim.

Along with telling the Herd family’s personal story, “Stepping Stones” is a resource for those who have had to deal with children who have ASD.

The book includes communication tips, teaching non-verbal conversation skills, a description of an evaluation and behavior plans for Philip, intervention strategies, suggestions for introducing children to nature, plans for combating negativity, and lists of book and web resources.

Philip was fortunate that he was a member of a loving, supportive family that included three older siblings.

“The siblings were not aware that he was different,” says Carol. “We would often do things together.” Philip’s sister Becky Herd lives in the Cherryville, Lehigh Township, area and has written for Lehigh Valley Press.

At points, the book refers to Asperger’s as a gift as well as a disorder. Those with the condition are very often higher in certain forms of intelligence. Einstein, Isaac Newton, Beethoven and Mozart may have had it.

“They think and learn differently. With such a different perspective, Philip can figure out ways to do things that no one else can. He has a different viewpoint for a new kind of solution,” says Tim.

Carol says, “Someone at Philip’s workplace said, ‘In a matter of weeks, he found a solution to something I’ve been working on for two years.’”

Philip is a research engineer at OptiPro Systems. He received a Master’s in Physics from the University of Idaho. The book’s back cover has an image he mathematically created called a polypot. He blogs at https://orthallelous.wordpress.com.

The Herds lived in the Lehigh Valley area from 1983 to 2015. Tim was the first recycling coordinator for the City of Bethlehem. He has written other books, including “Maple Sugar: From Sap to Syrup: The History, Lore, and How-To Behind This Sweet Treat”; “Discover Nature in the Weather,” and “Kaleidoscope Sky,” a visual book about unusual celestial phenomena including sunrises, sunsets, cloud patterns, and lightning flashes.

“Literary Scene” is a column about authors, books and publishing. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com