Children with Asperger’s syndrome have likes and dislikes, just as anyone else. They do things for fun, like to watch television, or play on the computer. Helping Asperger’s children to learn and have fun doing so should be a joint effort between parents and teachers. Parents need to make sure teachers are aware of things their children enjoy in order to help teachers prepare lessons that will provide good learning experiences that will be fun as well.
Children with Asperger’s syndrome are usually of average to above average intelligence. However, since Asperger’s is a pervasive developmental disorder, children often have deficits in social and motor skills, as well as behavior, speech, and communication problems, and sensitivity to sound or touch. As a result, they may require specialized help to overcome or control some of these difficulties at school. Parents must insist their children receive support necessary for their success. This may include assistance with note-taking, modified formats for tests, individualized instruction, tests taken in a private setting, help with organization of materials and notebook, peer helpers, and study sheets. Although needs like these may make some people regard children with Asperger’s as learning disabled, in fact they often excel in areas such as music and math. While even above-average Asberger’s children may not be able to sit down and complete a PhD online, some people with Asperger’s, like Dr. Temple Grandin, have indeed received advanced college degrees.
School is much more enjoyable when children have lessons that are fun as well as educational. Children with Asperger’s are just like other children in that they love games, music, animals, books, pictures, videos, and puzzles. They may also enjoy with math problems, or playing with things that have discernable textures like stuffed toys. They can be quite competitive when playing games and may not be good losers. A common problem with children with Asperger’s is that they can’t interpret others’ facial expressions or understand their emotions. They may need supervision during certain activities that tend to excite them. Parents should request teachers provide tasks and rewards their children find enjoyable, but not things that would encourage compulsive behaviors.
Ask your child’s teacher to assign a study buddy for your child. Preferably the study buddy should be the same gender, have similar interests and abilities, a helpful personality, be personable, and a good student. A peer in this kind of position can be a great help to an Asperger’s child. He could write down assignments, make sure his buddy is getting out the correct supplies, help him with getting places, introduce him to others, work and play together, and help keep him on track. Even an Asperger’s child with above average intelligence may not always know what is appropriate to do, and that’s where a study buddy is a big help.
Social stories can be enjoyable and provide examples of behaviors that may be easier for a child with Asperger’s to understand. Abstract concepts and jokes often prove difficult to Asperger’s children as well. They are usually very visually apt, so pictures and books may be more interesting to them. If they reads well, they may enjoy reading to their classes. Similarly, if your child has a special gift, such as music, have him demonstrate for the class on occasion.
If possible, visit the classroom or help with a field trip. Talk to your child daily about school and help with homework. Encourage him to work with his teachers and peers and praise him frequently. Positive reinforcement leads to more positive behavior.
Be active in your child’s education. Make sure teachers have your contact information and ask them to keep you informed of what’s going on in your child’s classroom. Work with teachers to provide educational activities your child will enjoy. Be sure they know about his likes and dislikes, hobbies, favorite snacks, favorite books or television shows, and anything else that will help his teachers to make his learning experience more enjoyable. This open communication and cooperation between parents and teachers is the key to successfully providing Asberger’s children education that’s effective and fun.
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“Although needs like these may make some people regard children with Asperger’s as learning disabled, in fact they often excel in areas such as music and math.”
Of course needs like those make some people regard students who have those needs as having learning disabilities.
The same student can have both a disability in a learning skill and excellence in an area such as music or math or history or writing. Some of my classmates have *both* excelled far more than I did in the classes we shared *and* needed accommodations during exams to make sure the exams measured what they learned instead of measuring their their learning disabilities.
“Learning disabled” does *not* mean “stupid”!
“If possible, visit the classroom or help with a field trip. Talk to your child daily about school and help with homework. Encourage him to work with his teachers and peers and praise him frequently. Positive reinforcement leads to more positive behavior.
“Be active in your child’s education. Make sure teachers have your contact information and ask them to keep you informed of what’s going on in your child’s classroom. Work with teachers to provide educational activities your child will enjoy. Be sure they know about his likes and dislikes, hobbies, favorite snacks, favorite books or television shows, and anything else that will help his teachers to make his learning experience more enjoyable. This open communication and cooperation between parents and teachers is the key to successfully providing Asberger’s children education that’s effective and fun.
Wonderful advice for parents, no matter if their kids have autism or Asperger’s or William’s or none of those!