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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

The Sprocks: Kristian, 13

"He gets obsessed with things," said Stacey Sprock, left as she directs her son Kristian Sprock-Parrett 13, away from cartoons at their home in Hayden on November 9, 2012. Kristian was diagnosed with Aspergers syndrome when he was 12-years-old. (Kathy Plonka / The Spokesman-Review)

The Canfield Middle School seventh-grader loves riddles and “stupid jokes,” his mom said, and playing video games and watching “Dr. Who.” Bright and sassy, he can recall arbitrary Guinness world records.

Sprock found out last summer that Kristian has Asperger’s syndrome, a milder variant of autism. The disorder affects his ability to socialize and communicate effectively.

He also exhibits anxiety and oppositional defiant disorder, which makes him disruptive and disobedient. A therapist works with him on socialization skills, such as appropriate conversation and good sportsmanship.

“He has this big open heart that I admire so much,” Sprock said. “He has so much love to give.”