Aspergers Children: Tips for completing assignments...

Question

Can you offer tips for completing assignments?

Answer

Children with Asperger’s Syndrome have the same
motivational needs as other kids. Sometimes less
and other times, a lot more motivation is needed
to accomplish the same assignment. However,
Children with Asperger’s will always have the
need for a little extra help due to the weaknesses
created by the syndrome.

Because Asperger’s affects functional skills in
socialization and communication, teachers and
parents will need to get creative in order to find
ways to help these kids succeed. Here are a few
tips to help with school assignments.

* Children with Asperger’s crave order,
structure and routine. These desires can be
utilized to help with assignment completion.
Classroom time for the child with Asperger’s
must be an organized and structured environment.
Consistent structure will provide comfort,
allowing the child to make progress on his
assignments.

* Use visual schedules for children with
Asperger’s Syndrome. They need a balanced
schedule that will alternate core subjects with
chances to de-stress, usually with structured down
time. For example, the student may be scheduled
for an hour of math, thirty minutes for lunch, and
then an hour of music. Assuming that music is a
class he thoroughly enjoys, that hour would be his
time to de-stress.

* Allowing further breakdown of assignments into
mini-assignments will also help ensure successful
completion. This breakdown will appeal to the
child’s sense of order as he sees each step is
simply written and manageable.

* The breakdown of assignments into steps leads
to another suggestion. Additional time is useful
when assigning work to a student with
Asperger’s. Children with Asperger’s may find
additional time helpful to complete their
assignments. Meeting a deadline on an assignment
can create stress that causes the child to become
completely overwhelmed, wiping out any chance of
completing the assignment.

* Teachers of children with Asperger’s should
also keep in mind the need to use straightforward
instructions stated simply and clearly. Language
is difficult for kids with Asperger’s Syndrome.
Sarcasm and slang go right over their heads.
Remember that they need to know what, when, and
how. Basic instruction goes a long way.

Finally, praise the student for the work that is
completed. Praise from his teacher will motivate
the child with Asperger’s and the typical child
alike. Teachers should always praise their
students if possible. Children with Asperger’s
may have weaknesses to battle, but praise is a
weapon that can be used successfully in the
classroom.

The Parenting Aspergers Resource Guide: A Complete
Resource Guide For Parents Who Have Children Diagnosed
With Aspergers Syndrome.