"I’d love to see some information about how to teach in a way that an Asperger’s mind will absorb, particularly rote facts such as math measurements and such. I’d also love more information about teaching basic social skills, manners, and social graces."
Children with Asperger's and High Functioning Autism have excellent rote memories and often show intense interest in one or two intellectual areas, such as math, transportation, history, or the characters in a television series.Sometimes the special interest is so absorbing that they ignore all other subjects. They learn every fact about the chosen topic and talk about it endlessly, whether or not their listeners are interested. The child may have little understanding of the meaning of these facts. But, if you can tie rote information into the area of interest, you may find it easy to teach him or her - and the learning will be remembered. For example, if the child is interested in transportation, you might be able to involve him in measuring the length of railroad tracks or distances airplanes travel on various routes.
Often using a computer and rote learning computer games helps Asperger's kids retain factual information. Surprisingly, they often respond well to flash cards and other rote teaching methods also. Some are very good with visual memory and remember things they read or see on charts very well.
Etiquette and social graces are like a foreign language to kids with Asperger's. Social skills, such as saying “Hi” or “Good morning” or looking others in the eyes when conversing, are often taught by communication specialists or in social training groups. Imitating and practicing new skills in situations which are as realistic as possible is very effective. Skills-training includes:
- learning nonverbal behaviors, such as using appropriate hand gestures, smiling, and verbal behaviors
- interpretation of nonverbal behaviors of others
- processing of visual information with auditory information
- social awareness
Another idea for teaching social skills is to set a weekly or monthly goal. The goal is to learn a specific skill and be able to apply it in a variety of situations. Here is the procedure:
- Decide which skill you would like the child to learn, for example responding to the question “What’s new?”
- Teach the child the question/skill and several possible responses. Explain that there are many ways to respond. Model lots of options.
- Involve family, friends, and school staff in setting up situations that require practicing the skill.
- Develop a plan for how the questioner should prompt or respond, if the child doesn’t respond correctly.
- Keep track of the child’s responses to see if he/she uses the skill consistently.
- Use a lot of praise for appropriate behavior, especially when it is used without prompting.
The Asperger's child may form friendships with others who share his interests. Computer or math clubs, science fairs, Star Trek clubs, etc. are possible avenues to consider. Many of these children will develop coping and social interaction skills, and the ability to “fit in” as a result. For those that don’t, counseling and social “training” may help.
