Advocating for the Asperger's Child

For parents who have a child diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, there may be many unanswered questions. This disorder is not commonly known, but is being more commonly diagnosed. For this reason, parents and teachers often have only a vague understanding of what Asperger's Syndrome is, and how it can affect a child's behavior and emotional health.

1. Asperger's Syndrome is a neurobiological disorder that causes those affected to perceive the world differently. It is important to not attempt to use normal reason or logic to understand an AS child. They may see lights, hear sounds, or smell things many others would never be aware of. These distractions might cause the child to be irritable and have difficulty with focus.

2. Children with AS have difficulty with communicating, despite being very intelligent with normal vocabulary and language development. They don't understand things that aren't literal, and often apply meanings incorrectly. While a child with AS can often repeat rules and expectations , they may have difficulty knowing when to apply them to a given situation. It takes training and practice, much like teaching them to walk. Often times, normal fun and teasing can come off as severely insulting and as betrayal to an AS child. They are naive and generally tend to be scapegoated or bullied, and have trouble recognizing or verbalizing this fact effectively to adults.

3. Children with AS can't help obsessions and fixations, so just go with them. If an AS child is fixated on trains or skateboarding, try using these topics as writing prompts or in word problems to help get their interest and keep their focus. If an AS child frustrates everyone with constant talk of his or her fixation, give them a certain time of day they can talk about their fixation with a teacher or friend for a few minutes as a reward for focusing on the task at hand.

4. AS children want badly to fit in. Peer group training, role playing, and mentoring can help. Try finding a helpful child to act as a buddy, and ask them to look out for what's going on with other students and the AS child. Talk to the AS child frequently and find out what concerns they might have, and give them feedback on how they can help themselves socially.

5. Don't single out an AS child, but acknowledge they are unique. Be honest with AS children about what AS is, and help them learn how to cope effectively. Don't encourage using AS an excuse or a crutch, but be compassionate and flexible in dealing with the AS child. Many AS children grow up to be brilliant in their careers, and their symptoms are a plus when fixations and interests turn into career success. Further, AS children can grow to have successful marriages and be wonderful parents.

6. Sometimes special education programs are necessary. They don't mean the AS child is dumb or inferior, they simply allow for flexibility and compassion in dealing with an AS child's different needs. Special education is more sophisticated and less stigmatized than it has been in past years. Talk to your school district or school counselor.

For a wealth of more information on Asperger's Syndrome in children and adults, tips for parents, teachers, families, and support sites for kids and others, go to the Online Asperger's Syndrome Information and Support website. When a child marches to the beat of a different drummer, it helps to be able to read the music. There is now enough information about AS to give parents, teachers and loved ones enough sheet music to understand how these beautiful, often misunderstood minds work.