Aspergers Syndrome

Getting any child to do homework is a chore.  You just spent all day long at school doing class work who wants to come home and jump into doing more of it?

 When working with an Aspergers child and trying to get them to tackle their homework be flexible and patient.  Realize they see things from a different point of view and trying to reason with them does not always work.  Often they need some wind down time to get their mind cleared of what they have experienced all day at school and to just get into their comfort zone for awhile.   The stress of the day needs to be washed away.

Many people with Aspergers have a comfort zone that helps them to focus and relax.  For some it might be reading, watching television, computer games, playing outside, painting or more.  Allowing them some time in their comfort zone will help them refresh and be more willing to sit down renewed and ready to do their homework.  When they are feeling stressed and wound up they will not focus or be willing to committ 100% to the task at hand.  Often they will shut down completely even to the point of throwing a tantrum, crying, anger, and just an overall display of frustration. 

If you find that there is an excessive amount of homework you are well within your rights as a parent to discuss the situation with teachers and school officials.  Often they can reduce the amount of work or extend the timeframe for assignments.  

My daughter definetly needs wind down time after school.  Even with a half an hour of playtime outside she is more focused and refreshed.  We have found that trying to get her involved in any type of homework including subjects she loves turns into a battle if she is still in the whirlwind of a day she has already had.  We realize it is stressful just to go through the daily process when dealing with Aspergers Syndrome.  Helping her find her comfort zone and relaxing should be our main goal once she returns home from school.  We have discussed with her teachers other options for homework and have worked out systems that allow her extra time when necessary.  Teachers will also notify me by email or phone of upcoming assignments and their expectations so we can be prepared and help where needed.  We have found all the teachers to be accommodating when we show them we are involved and reasonable concern for specific assignments. 

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