Asperger's Trouble at School

Some children learn different than the "normal" child. This is usually where special ed or learning support are called in. In many cases though, that's just not good enough. Some children just need something different.

If you have a child with Asperger's Syndrome or PDD, both high functioning forms of Autism, then learning support will not be what they need if they start having trouble with school. The problem with using learning support for these children is that they don't need to learn how to learn, they just need to learn in a different way.

Most children with Asperger's and PDD are very smart and have no need to have someone teach them how to learn. What they really need is just to learn, without all the restrictions that the regular classroom puts on them. Something now offered at most school districts.

These kids are often labeled as trouble children or difficult. What they really are, are children who want to learn, can learn easily, are bored to tears trying to fit in, and tired of having to learn slowly just to learn. They want something more challenging and more suited to the style of learning that they need. Different Ways Children Learn

Learning styles are different ways that people learn. There are three main types of learning styles, these are visual, auditory and kinesthetic. Although all people learn one learning style better than the other two, most can learn using all three. It's when a child can only learn using two or even just one of the learning styles that causes a problem.

Visual Learning Style - Visual learners learn by watching something be done and taking notes. They need to see the body language and facial expressions of the person doing the teaching and they need to write everything down so they can go back and see it again later.

A visual learner will watch carefully as the teacher writes out and explains an algebra problem. They often sit in the front of the class so they don't have any visual distractions in their way. Learning by watching videos about a subject will help the visual learner learn as well.

Auditory Learning Style - An auditory learner will need to hear everything in order to process it. Watching videos is also good for the auditory learner because they tend to memorize everything they hear. They often are heard talking about what they've learned because talking through things helps them remember and memorize.

Listening to tone of voice, pitch, speed and other nuances is very important to the auditory learner. Reading out loud or audio tapes will help the auditory learner to learn. Reading to oneself quietly can make it very difficult for the auditory learner to comprehend the written material.

Kinesthetic Learning Style - Kinesthetic means that this person has the need to touch and do things. The kinesthetic learner will have trouble sitting still and will need to get up often and touch what they're learning about or try it out for themselves. A hands on approach to learning is the best way to teach a kinesthetic child. Letting them touch and try things out for themselves will help them learn very quickly. Programs To Help Kids Learn

Besides public schooling there are many other places kids can go for help. Working with your public school, you can often find the program that's right for your child. They are required to make accommodations, in the US, to help your child and make sure they get the education they need. The public school will often hire people to come in and work with your child or put them in a school funded program designed for children with your child's specific needs.

Homeschool or Cyberschool - If you don't feel you're school is doing what you think they should for your child, you have the option to homeschool or cyberschool (not available everywhere). Homeschooling gives you the opportunity to teach your child any way you want. Of course, this option certainly isn't for everyone. It's hard and it's time consuming. If you have the time and the patience, this might be the right course for you.

Private or Religious School - With smaller class sizes and a more structured environment this is a good option for many special needs children. They have the teachers and the materials, and more time, to teach the children the way then need to be taught. Then again, private school is expensive and religious schools are normally for religious families.

Autism or Special Needs Schools - There are schools out there that no one ever tells you about unless you need them. They're specifically for children with special learning needs. If you can't afford private school, are not religious and your school district can't find a way to successfully teach your child, you may qualify for one of these schools.

They are paid for though the school district and sometimes through the state, depending on what type of school your child needs. This ensures that every child gets the right care they need to learn and succeed.

Intermediate Unit - Most, if not all, state in the US offer services through some sort of Intermediate Unit. This state run program funds classes and other benefits for all types of children with all types of special needs. Benefits for children start as young as birth, if needed and go on to help school age children and beyond.

If you can't find any other options to help your child learn and succeed, ask your local school district about getting help through a state based Intermediate Unit. The Intermediate Unit just may have a program for your child.