Connecting with older kids left behind?

Before I moved to England, the longest I'd been away from my son was 3 weeks, when I visited England in 2007.  Due to cramped living arrangements, we even shared a bed for a few years.  Now I've been away almost 3 months, and I miss "The Young Highlander" (as he's always been referred to on the 'net) so much that it's interferring with my ability to adjust to life here.  He seems to be taking the change well, all things considered, which both pleases and stings me.

Here is the current problem for me.  My son has Asperger's syndrome, AND has just recently become a teenager, which makes communication a challenge, especially at this distance.  Phone calls and emails are short, every question is answered with "nothing" or "I dunno"... (Or, rarely, extremely verbose, detailing some subject I can barely follow.)

Any ideas for cracking this nut?  I recently allowed him to create a MySpace account, which has given us a way to connect that is a little easier for him, and we do have many games to play online together, but the time difference (8 hours) puts a damper on much.  How do you stay involved, informed, and simply "in" from overseas?

My DH's son is 19 years.  Phone calls are a nightmare because he's a typical teenager and just grunts in response to any questions.  But he does seem to have a better chat when he uses Instant Messenger, the chats are still pretty short but he does seem to open up a bit more?  They don't schedule time, but when either of them sees that the other is on line they normally hook up.

The trouble with relying on any sort of real-time contact is that it's midnight my time when my son gets home from school, and well past his bedtime when I get up in the morning.  :-\

3 or 4 pm our time is usually when they are getting up and ready for school. Assuming you are talking PST here. I try to vary my calls...some at this time when he is getting ready for school...and some late...when he is coming home from school.

I have two that are behind. My 19 yo special needs son calls our Vonage line...we have virtual numbers so it doesn't cost them anything. He does it once sometimes twice a week. He talks for hours...but mostly to his brother and sister. We usually speak for about 10 or 15 minutes to catch up on things.

My 6 yo son sounds similar to what you are describing in terms of attention span. We usually talk from 1 to 3 minutes every day. But occasionally he shocks me and we talk for 45 minutes or more. I always let them lead.

I have finally figured out that what is most important to them is consistency. Even it is just one minute cause they want to play their Wii...they know mummy is thinking about them and love them.

The other thing though is to make the most of the time when you are together. On holidays and during the summer, they are top priority.

I had a great chat with my daughter on Sunday.  She has lots to say about her boyfriend and college life.  My sons (25 & 28) aren't so talkative, mostly they say "I love you mom" and "I'll talk to you next week".  There isn't always something to talk about but calling once a week feels important to me.

My son has had a VoiP phone with a global plan more than half his life, so I don't know if he's even familiar with the concept of "long-distance" phone calls, heh.

One of my friends suggested finding some kind of "project" he can collaborate with me on.  Another suggested beginning an e-mail chess game (my son enjoys chess.)  I've already proposed the chess game.  Any ideas for a "project?"

Pictures...create a life album using one of the online pic books. Then you could either/both upload pics and add your individual comments.

I am making one for my oldest daughter's 20th bday...and she lives with me.