Aspergers Syndrome

You will be your childs best advocate when it comes to Aspergers or other disabilities.  Your first job in raising a child with a disorder such as Aspergers is to get EDUCATED!  Then, you must also educate. 

Educate yourself.  Research online, purchase or check out books from the library on Aspergers as well as specific traits your child may have (social skills, motor skills difficiencies, sensory issues, etc.)  Also research medications as well as current events such as new research studies, drug studies, new dicipline techniques, etc.  Find yourself a good local or online support group for Aspergers.  Attend seminars.  Ask Ask Ask your doctor any and all questions you have and always try to have a list of questions when you go to your appointments. 

Educate your child.  Your child needs to understand their symptoms as well as having the feeling you are taking control to help them function in the world.  They will be much happier and willing to work with you if they feel you are in control and know what you are talking about.  Help them understand what they are feeling, why they might not fit in, why sensory issues bother them.  Help them to express their feelings and experiences with you openly.

Educate your family and immediate friends/neighbors.   Don’t hide behind a rock or be embarrassed about having a child with a developmental disorder.  The more people in your lives that know about the Aspergers diagnosis and the traits to be aware of the better!  If they know your child has difficulty in social situations they may be more willing to help and overlook things versus labeling them.  Explain your childs particular traits and ways you have learned to help them deal with problems.  Let them borrow books or forward websites that will help educate them.   Educating siblings is essential.  They can get it bad sometimes.  They are forced to live with and deal with this everyday and it can be very stressful.  Help them understand the traits of their sibling and that you are learning about and working with your Aspergers child to help them.  This will include needing their help, love and support.

Educate your school teachers, administrators and students.   With the amount of time our children spend in school they need and environment that helps not hinders!  Just like family and close friends your child needs those around them to know why they may be a little different and how best to help them.   Teachers and administrators especially need to be aware and watch for problems such as teasing, bullying, peer pressure, depression, aggression, and overall changes in their abilities or behavior.   Also share your books and websites with them.  They even have specific books about Aspergers geared to teachers. 

EDUCATE YOUR DOCTORS!  I personally will bring a list of things I have researched or heard about online to each appointment with my doctor.  I want to know about medications, other developmental disabilities, articles I have read about current research and so on.  My doctor is wonderful about stopping and explaining all of this to me and why it might/might not help my daughters situation.  If your doctor is not familiar with something ask them to research it or provide you with a contact who might.  As an advocate for your child you want to make sure all medications are considered so they receive the best for their symptoms.  You want the latest research and technology as well as proper and thorough diagnosis for your child.  Guide your doctors to learn everything they can to give your child the best care possible or find someone else!  More then anything, take a stand by letting them know you will continue to do your own research and educating to make sure they are providing the proper care for your child.