My ASD Child

The characteristics of Aspergers (high functioning autism) translate into challenges to learning, behavior, and socialization for the youngster with the disorder and pose just as significant difficulties for the teacher in terms of teaching, controlling behaviors, and maintaining a classroom environment that is conducive to learning by all students, including the youngster with Aspergers. The list below provides a quick reference guide for some of the common difficulties kids with Aspergers have in the classroom. Common difficulties in the classroom: • Academic difficulties • Appear “normal” to other people • Difficulties with abstract concepts • Difficulty with learning in large groups • Difficulty with reciprocal conversations • Emotional vulnerability • Inability to make friends • Insistence on sameness/difficulty with changes in routine • Interests limited to specific topics • Low frustration tolerance • Motor clumsiness • Pedantic speech • Poor c

Tantrums, rage, and meltdowns (terms that are used interchangeably) typically occur in three stages that can be of variable length. These stages and associated interventions are described below. The best intervention for these behavioral outbursts is to prevent them through the use of appropriate academic, environmental, social, and sensory supports and modification to environment and expectations. The Cycle of Tantrums, Rage, and Meltdowns and Related Interventions  Initial stage During the initial stage, children with Aspergers (high functioning autism) exhibit specific behavioral changes that may appear to be minor (e.g., nail biting, tensing muscles, indicating discomfort). During this stage, it is imperative that an adult intervene without becoming part of a struggle. Intervention Effective interventions during this stage include: antiseptic bouncing, proximity control, support from routine and home base. All of these strategies can be effective in stopping th

Question What is the best way of effectively communicating things to my child with Aspergers? Answer Communicating with a child who has an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be a delightful experience. It can just as often be a frustrating experience. Children with ASD can have a wide range of communication skills, so it’s important to tailor any communication specifically to your child. Many times, you’ll have to try some communication techniques to see if they’re effective. Be sensitive when speaking with a child with Asperger’s (high functioning autism). Understand that your child might not be able to maintain eye contact or that he might not want you sitting close to him or touching him. Understand that you will need to teach him how to communicate effectively. Using a tool such as Interactive Training Cards, created by Joan Green, can help you teach your child about communication. Interactive Training cards were developed by special educators specifically t

Everything your autistic child's teacher needs to know [share this post with him or her]: Initially it is necessary to understand the nature of the ASD student in regards to curriculum education. Safran (2002) indicates many of the characteristics of ASD can be "masked" by "average to above average IQ scores." (p. 284). This can result in the ASD being misunderstood by instructors. Safran (2002) explains that adults often presume the student is capable of more than is being produced. Lack of understanding of the ASD student in this way can significantly impede the desire of the instructor to search for strategies useful in overcoming the hindrances caused by the disability. Another misunderstanding is the relationship between curriculum and social education. For example, a youngster with ASD might find a social setting overwhelming and distracting. If kids are placed in a small group for project work this might predominantly become a social setting to an