Teaching the Asperger Student

Mainstream Education

Teaching the Asperger student can have its share of challenges, but this experience also offers great rewards to not only the teacher but also the AS student's classmates.

It's important to create the least restrictive learning environment possible when teaching the Asperger student. The AS student's mainstream teacher can help the child blend in with the rest of the class and effectively guide him or her through difficult situations.

Teachers are faced with trying to establish an atmosphere that is conducive to learning for children of all different levels of abilities, which can sometimes make the seamless merging of students with special needs and typical students a challenging proposition.

There are many factors to consider with the different types of Aspergers and other disorders. Some students have attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Others require special attention in gifted programs, and some are in the autism spectrum of disorders and required resources.

What are some useful teaching strategies for the specific needs of
an AS student?

Students in the autism spectrum of disorders have special needs in the areas of communication, social interaction, and sensory processing. While these areas seem pretty challenging, every student in the classroom can benefit from teaching strategies that are designed for Asperger-diagnosed students.

Teaching strategies include:

• visual aids
• blocking out as many distractions as possible
• one-on-one attention followed by independent practice
• predictable routines
• specific duties and responsibilities for students
• visual schedules
• directions given in clear, measurable terms
• advanced notice of changes in routine

In general, all children flourish in well-organized conditions. They work better when there is no confusion and when they know what to expect. They also behave better when they know what is expected of them.

What are some important factors when communicating with an Asperger student?

The Asperger-diagnosed student is not going to have the same social skills that other students have. It's important to recognize that these students process sensory experiences differently, and they may have unusual reactions to emotion.

Some things to remember include:

1. Avoid taking misbehavior personally. Students with AS are not manipulative or conniving. Their behaviors are commonly due to anxiety and frustration, not personal attacks.

2. Avoid vague questions. Exchange "Why did you do that?" with "I don’t like that you slammed your locker."
   
   
3. Be concrete. Avoid idioms, figurative language, nicknames, and sarcasm. These students take everything literally, and they often assume that others always tell the truth.