The following tips and strategies were designed to help parents and families living with an individual affected by Asperger's Syndome. As you scroll down, you will see we have provided useful tips that may work with certain individuals, and for others, different strategies are required.
Maintaining consistency is a key component to creating a healthy and balanced environment for children with Asperger's Syndrome.
Maintaining a structured routine and preparing them ahead of time for any transitions is of utmost importance.
Abstract thinking is challenging.When communicating verbally, make sure you have the child’s attention. Don’t assume that because you’re talking to them that they’re paying attention to what you’re saying. Make eye contact. If you can’t make eye contact, ask the child to acknowledge you. If the child acknowledges you, ask them to stop what they’re doing and to focus on what you’re saying.
Try to communicate in simple terms. Use words that can be clearly understood and not words that have double meanings.
Communicate without assuming that your facial expressions will be understood. A child may feel excluded from conversations as a result.When speaking to the child, remember that s/he will take what you say literally. Children with AS often don’t understand expressions or everyday humour and as such these children are likely to have poor social and interactive skills. When a child responds, try to keep in mind their perspective of literal language.
When reading or having a conversation a child affected with AS may seem scripted or mechanical.
Children affected with AS are direct with their communication. This may be perceived by many as rude or disrespectful. However, children with AS are extremely respectful. They are very honest.
It is extremely unusual for a child affected with AS to be rude or disrespectful in any situation.A child with AS may have an obsessive disorder which may affect their interactions with others. Be patient and cognizant of their disorder.
Often children with AS also have a special interest in a topic. Frequently children with AS have an extensive and knowledgeable base on their special topic. They become so excited about the topic without realizing others may not share their passion. This becomes perplexing to them and at times hurtful, as they feel socially rejected.
They may seem eccentric or odd to others.
Do not expect eye contact with a child who has AS. Eye contact for long periods of time is very difficult for them to maintain. Eye contact is very uncomfortable, therefore a child with AS can give you eye contact for short periods only. They will tend to look at the side or to the side of your head or the floor.
Empathy is not a strong point for children with AS. They may appear cold and detached. They have no malicious intent but they’re most often without expression or understanding of emotions. However, they’re extremely sensitive to the disabled and animals.
One noted aspect of children affected with AS is their lack of commonsense. What may seem common-sense to most of us is not to them. They may seem confused and lost at understanding something which is considered obvious to the rest of us.
Tasks for those affected with AS need to be broken down into simple step-by-step instructions.
Children with AS are sensitive to their environment;including loud noises, certain lights and the fabric their clothes are made of. Cotton blends are the best fabrics for their clothing. It may be helpful to remove clothing tags because they irritate children and create a distraction.
Simple tasks that we take for granted may require more detailed explanations.
Children affected with AS ask many questions and don't necessarily conform to rules lik the rest of us do.They want to know that what you're asking them to do makes sense. Otherwise they won’t do what you ask of them.
Simple tasks may need to be spelled out for them. For example taking a shower may require a full explanation of how to wash, where to wash, how to shampoo as well as rinse the hair, etc. You may also need to stand outside the shower to make sure they actually clean where they're supposed to wash.
Children with AS are often clumsy and may show signs of delayed motor development.
Provide them with a safe environment full of positive opportunities to develop their motor skills.
Choose activities that require minimal motor development and slowly increase the complexity of activities as their development increases with their confidence.
Try to maintain a household free of environmental toxins such as cleaners with ammonia, bleach, formaldehyde or phosphates. Children with AS are hypersensitive. Ensuring a home with the least amount of toxins provides a much needed healthy environment.The same is true for food. Try to provide foods that are natural, without food flavouring, coloring, preservatives and other chemicals.
Eliminate processed food and increase intake of fruits and vegetables.
You may want to also try a gluten-free, casein-free diet. Many have found a gluten free diet highly beneficial.
Decrease distractions by removing the clock in the classroom, the amount of wall displays and consider changing the lighting.
Consider using coloured paper once in a while. Pastel coloured paper (violet, green, yellow) can enhance the reading experience and students with Asperger will certainly benefit.
