Asperger Syndrome
And Schools

Asperger syndrome and schools are of major concern to parents
and professionals who are affected by this disorder. In order to ensure that children receive the best education possible, parents, administrators, and teachers need to work together to ensure adequate resources.

The situation with Asperger syndrome and schools is complex. The child is faced with many challenges in this setting, and teachers have to become familiar with the child’s diagnosis in order to create a safe environment that's conducive to learning.

There are certain teaching strategies that need to be adopted, and a general mode of understanding needs to be established. The child might face many troubles with peers, and he or she could become the target for bullying. The school environment is also filled with sensory stimulation that might prove to be overwhelming.

What are some teaching strategies that might help my AS child?

Students who have Asperger syndrome are typically high functioning and quite intelligent, and you as a parent might want to consider homeschooling.

In the mainstream, Asperger children have a lot to offer the class, and they can provide a lot of learning experiences for their classmates and even their teachers.

Strategies that teachers can employ include:

• Use visual aids in presentations.
• Create a viable schedule that offers structure.
• Give children specific duties on a regular basis.
• Make as few transitions as possible.
• Provide an exhaustive explanation of changes in routine
  ahead of time.
• Keep activities predictable.
• Introduce new tasks systematically.
• Break down complex tasks into smaller steps.
• Reinforce positive behavior.
• Immediately redirect negative behavior.

What are some particular issues that my child's teacher should keep in mind?

Teachers in the school setting can make the most of having a child or
teen with Aspergers in the mainstream classroom. Issues to keep in mind when working with AS young people are:

1. Normal sensations, sights, and sounds can be overwhelming for a person with AS.

2. The child has a lot of strengths. Keep your focus on them.
   
   
3. Predictable daily routines are ideal.

4. Notify parents about upcoming changes.

5. Work directly with the child while transitioning.

6. An AS child usually doesn't understand figurative language.

7. Humor and sarcasm are difficult for the child to understand.

8. The child isn't deliberately rude nor does he or she mean any disrespect.

9. Playtime isn't always fun for a child with AS.

Another consideration to make is that each AS child is an individual who has a lot to offer the class as a whole. As long as Asperger syndrome and schools merge, there are many opportunities for learning in ALL directions.

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