My name is Julia and shortly after I turn 29 I’m going to be a first time Auntie. The unique thing is, I have an autism spectrum disorder (also known as Asperger’s Syndrome). Do you have any advice for aunties in my situation?  

Since you didn’t describe your specific issues, I can only offer general advice.

I suggest you read infant and toddler child development books so that you familiarize yourself as to what babies actually need to maximize their development. My favorites: Diary Of A Baby: What Your Child Sees, Feels, And Experiences by Daniel Stern and Touchpoints: Birth to Three by T. Berry Brazelton and Joshua D. Sparrow. After reading these, you will be able to then identify any behaviors and attitudes you might have due to your Asperger symptoms and work on minimizing them.

And finally, recognize that babies need love to prosper. So, open yourself to loving your baby niece or nephew with a full heart.

My book, The Sense Connection, can be helpful as you discover your primary sense mode and begin to recognize you baby niece's or nephew’s strongest means of taking in the world.