Ten-year-old Evan Stewart is in fifth grade, but all is not as it seems. Evan has Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism.

Dr. Steve Marcal of The Center for the Disabled said, "Where they fall short is understanding social things, interpreting facial expressions, tone of voice, the use of humor."

Evan showed delays in speech and social skills before he was three years old.

Mother Linda Stewart said, "He couldn't even begin to be with a group. He would sit off on a chair."

Kids like Evan have an average or above average intelligence level, therefore they are easily streamlined into regular schools. Their challenge is socialization.

Dr. Marcal said, "They will say the wrong things at the wrong times and keep repeating the same mistakes and it causes them to be targets."

With help from The Center for the Disabled, Evan is in a regular school system. He struggles with writing but excels in most everything else.

Evan said, "My speech. I think physical education and my report card was only A's and B's so far this year."

Evan's passion for music has helped his confidence. Despite his social and academic challenges, he is doing well. He has come a long way, but it hasn't always been easy.

Linda said, "I think some anxiety and stress and not having a change in routine, that is troublesome for him. It may be fine for weeks and weeks at on end and them something comes up."

Asperger's Syndrome affects mostly males, and there is a strong genetic component. Groups settings can still be a challenge.

Evan said, "Sometimes I just don't want to be part of the conversation."

Evan is assisted by a teacher's aid and receives speech therapy. He makes the disease all very easy to understand.

"I would say that it's like a computer, like there's a virus. It's something like that," he said.

Like a typical kids, Evan's schedule is pretty booked.

Linda said, "He's on student council, he plays in a band, he's a Boy Scout. I can go on and on."

He has what all parents want for their children -- pride and understanding.

When asked how he felt about having Asperger's Syndrome, Evan replied, "I feel unique."