Dominique Ford is like any other 14-year-old boy, sprouting up like a weed and showing an interest in girls too early for momma. But the Long Middle School eighth-grader has worked hard to be like the other kids.

Dominique has Asperger's Syndrome, a Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD). The disorder is similar to Autism in the way it restricts social interaction and develops repetitive patterns of behavior and interests.

He was diagnosed with it when he was 4 years old, but his mother, Sherry Smith, refused to accept it. "I was told (by doctors) he would be very limited in his language and social skills, but I really didn't accept it."

In fact, Smith never talks to Dominique about his disorder, she just works to prevent it. "It's a lot of organizing and a lot of repetition, a lot."

Dominique may be a little awkward or stiff, but his social activity is far from restricted, according to his mother and teachers. Dominique is a member of Long's student government body, plays basketball, sings in the chorus and received the Sammie E. Jackson achievement award.

Long Middle School awards this honor yearly to a student who is personable and considerate of others, is actively involved with school, church and the community and has excelled academically.

Dominique has also found his niche as an actor. A member of Long's drama club, Dominique took acting classes over the summer with the theater group, Porkchop Productions. His first major casting call will be Dec. 5 when he appears in "The Best Little Christmas Pageant Ever" at the Theater on the Green.

"Dominique is amazing for the disability he has," Melanie Trusky said. She was his special education teacher last year at Long Middle but also works with him in the drama club and is a fellow member of the On Stage theater group.

On Stage is producing the Dec. 5 play.

"He is so expressive," Trusky said. "He is one of the most talented students I have had, and he works hard at it."

For more of this story see the Nov. 20, 2003 edition of the Chronicle or Advertiser.