Aspergers, Autism and Education

Every child is different from others. Take the time to get to know each children with Aspergers so you understand how they think and operate. Do not put them in a category with your other children or educational failures will occur. Minimize change as much as possible. Allow some transition time before asking a child to do something that is out of their normal routine. Always plan for change as far in advance as possible

You should allow frequent breaks. Children with Aspergers may need to take breaks as a part of their education. Sometimes they have problems with focusing on tasks so allow a break when they need it

Don't expect eye contact. Their lack of eye contact has nothing to do with disrespect, but it has everything to do with their Aspergers. Use probing questions to make sure they understand what is expected of them instead of using eye contact. Always try to minimize sensory distractions as much as possible. Ticking clocks, tapping pens, crumbling paper, and other things can be a huge distraction for children with Aspergers. It is impossible to control all sensory distractions, but when at all possible, minimize these distractions. Use visual cues when at all possible. Children with Aspergers are usually visual learners and they depend on these cues in their education. They have difficulty processing oral language so hands-on, visual cues are a tremendous help

Followin meltdowng are a few suggestions that can help control kids that show rage or haves

• Use fun energy: running, jumping, spinning, climbing or any other physical activities 

• Have them perform house hold chores this will allow sensory input to different muscles and
 joints: vacuuming, moving objects, clean windows

• Give creative outlets: painting, drawing, coloring or molding clay

• Use pretend play to teach them how to react tot he things that tend to trigger their rage

• Make sure to always keep things positive, kids with Aspergers will react to negative thoughts very quickly

• Use a beanbag chair, gives them the feeling of being hugged. Also a warm bath or digging in a sandbox helps to calm 

• Let your child express to you what triggers these fits and also what they find makes them calm down

• Identify warning signs to help identify triggers and prevent the tantrum before they happen

• Put together a Boredom Box this can be filled with thing the child enjoys such as jewelry making kits, paints, modeling clay, crossword puzzles and other types of artistic interests. This gives your child somewhere to go when they need that extra stimulation and you know that you have the things they need on hand to avoid a meltdown

If you are interested in finding visual items that can be used in the education for children with Aspergers please visit my website http://www.funwizkids.com for this and other autism educational items and toys

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