Aspergers Syndrome

The challenges faced having Aspergers Syndrome can be dramatically increased when you enter into an educational environment.  Public schools provide the added difficulty of social settings as well as the need to produce class work within a time frame which may be difficult for those with motor skills difficiencies or attention and focusing issues. 

First of all it is imparative that the school administrators, teachers and other staff who will be in contact with your child be educated as much as possible.  Even if they are familiar with Aspergers or Autism this doesn’t mean they are familiar with “your child”.  Being a spectrum disorder children with Aspergers will have and even display charactaristics of the disorder differently.  Make sure they understand your childs daily needs as well as explaining routines and changes in their environment.  Make sure an I.E.P. (Individualized Education Plan) is in place to accomodate your child where needed due to their disability.  I would also recommend checking with your child or even stopping by the school to check that these accomodations are being met.   

Second,  educating peers is also extremely important.  Try to enlist the teacher or other administrators of the school to help educate the other students when possible.  Most are unaware there is a disability and are more willing to accept and even help when they are understanding of the situation.  Bullying and teasing should never be tolorated.  Make sure your child knows to report any such situations to yourself or their teachers immediately.

Third,  take time to teach social skills including reading facial cues, gestures, and other non-verbal communications.   If possible get with a professional or group for social skills training.

Fourth,  find a support group.  Finding others to help share knowledge and stories will help all of you.  Many times you can find friends for your children because they will have simular interests and already be connected through having Aspergers.