Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/729810
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Iamthepar- ent of a 2-year-old, and I have playdates with other moms and their toddlers. One of these friends has a toddler, "Jimmy," who seems to exhibit the early s igns of bei ng on the autism spectrum. The other moms and I have wondered for many months if Jimmy's parents will have him tested, but so far they have not. We have been hesitant to bring up the subject with Jimmy's mom for fear of how she might perceive any suggestion that something could be "wrong" with her son. But as he grows older and continues to exhibit signs, we worry that he may not get the early intervention that can be so helpful. The only time the sub- ject came up in conversa- tion was when his mom said that at Jimmy's doc- tor's checkup, they were told his language develop- ment was borderline, but that they do not believe it's a problem. I want to trust that his parents' intuition will guide them correctly, but I also worry that his doctor may not be per- forming the same autism screenings that ours does, and that his parents are not aware that his differ- ences from other children could be a sign of autism. Should I tell my friend my concerns? Or is this none of my business? —ConcernedMom DEAR CONCERNED » Par- ents learn from other par- ents, and without gentle guidance from these parents, we are all on our own to navigate the tricky travails of raising a child. There is nothing "wrong" with a child who is on the autism spec- trum; it is just part of the nature of that child. Par- ents should seek informa- tion about their child. You could ask this mother, "Did your doctor test 'Jimmy' for signs of being on the autism spectrum? Our doctor did a screening and it was helpful." This may open a conversation with her, or may prompt her to do research on her own. I agree that having the results of this test could be very helpful to the parents and the child, and that early testing and intervention could be a game changer. DEAR AMY » You used the word "mansplaining" in your reply to "Perplexed." I don't think it means what you think it means. Mansplaining is a sex- ist word used by feminists to shut down debate with a man if they think they can't win their argument. Your use of it in your column is offensive to anyone who is capable of a logical discussion. — Mark R. Bates, National Coalition For Men DEAR MARK » Others com- plained that I misused the word "mansplaining," but you are the only person to mansplain while doing it. "Mansplaining" is a slang term used for when men co-opt ideas, thoughts or concepts generated by a woman and then re-explain these concepts back to her in a highly patronizing and "expert" way. (See above.) Playdate mom worries about toddler exhibiting symptoms You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribpub.com and follow her on Twitter @askingamy. Amy Dickinson Ask Amy Sudoku Instructions:Theobjectistoplacethe numbers1to9intheemptysquaresso thateachrow,eachcolumnandeach 3x3boxcontainsthenumberonlyonce. AnswertoPreviousPuzzle CelebrityCipher ByLuisCampos Instructions:CelebrityCiphercryptogramsarecreatedfromquotationsbyfamouspeople, pastandpresent.Eachletterinthecipherstandsforanother. NEACrossword Virgo(Aug.23-Sept.22) — Look at the big picture and refuse to let your emotions take charge, which could cause you to damage your reputation. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Check out new prospects and explore possibilities that will encourage philosophical or spiri- tual growth. Live life instead of standing on the sidelines. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Uncertainty will surface if you let your emotions take control. Use your skills and knowledge to help you overcome any obstacle. Trust in the facts, not in rumors. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Open up about your feel- ings, and listen to what others have to say. Your relationship with both personal and business associates will be challenged. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — The way you present who you are and what you have to offer is important. Knowledge and expertise alone will not do the trick. Update your look to impress others. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — A chance to turn something you love doing into a profit- able endeavor looks promising. Set up meetings and plan your strategy to ensure a successful launch. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Playing games with some- one's emotions will not help you get your way. Try to keep the peace and figure out how to get what you want without upset- ting others. Aries (March 21-April 19) — A financial matter will leave you uncertain regarding your choices and current situation. Look at the long-term effects of following your heart and pursu- ing your passion. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Someone will take advantage of you if you are too gullible. Look at the variables involved before you choose to shoulder respon- sibilities that someone else will end up taking credit for. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Listen carefully and read between the lines. Deception is apparent when dealing with a friend or a young person in your life. Ask direct questions to find out exactly what is going on. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Expand your interests and open up your house for meetings and activities that will lead to new friendships and opportunities. Your generosity will help you advance. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Helping someone or participat- ing in a cause you believe in will encourage others to respect you. Taking action will show others that you mean business. Romance is encouraged. Horoscope By Eugenia Last WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 21 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 6 B