My friend's son has been diagnosed with Asperger's Disorder.?
Question:
Answers:
Asperger's Syndrome is a condition similar to autism, and the educational approaches work working with both are often similar. About the prognosis, I would say that it is often good, so don't despair! People with Asperger's Syndrome have won nobel prizes (Vernon Smith), become famous actors (Dan Ackroyd), or become successful computer programmers, scientists, etc.
To help your friend's child maximize his potential, I would recommend the following educational approaches. Since every child is different, these may or may not apply to your situation or work for you. I would encourage you to keep trying and find a system that works for you friend and their family. She may have already done so, but I would also recommend keeping in close contact with the child's teacher and school to make sure that he is getting the support needed. Hope this helps!
- Recognize your child's strengths and interests and use these as opportunities for education (for example, if your child is very interested in Star Wars, you can teach math problems about Star Wars, make cleaning up into a game about Jedi powers, etc.) You never know when an interest may turn into a possible career option for the future (I recently read a book written by a man with Asperger's who made his childhood interest in "The Wizard of Oz" into seveal job opportunities! ["Demystifying the Autistic Experience" by William Stillman"]) (Source #1)
- People with autism/Asperger's are often visual learners and learn well with pictures, charts, step-by-step written instructions, etc. (Source #1)
- Consider reading books by authors with Autism/Asperger's (while these are often geared towards adults, I think they offer valuable information) Authors to consider include Temple Grandin, Edgar R. Schneider, Jerry Newport, Stephen Shore, and William Stillman (Source #1)
- I would also advise you to often require him to look at your or participate in some activity with you. Just anything so that he is engaged with you. If he does not respond, you could repeat your instruction, wait, then (if necessary) gently prompt him physically to give you a high-five by touching your hand to his or something like this. Then, when he does it, reinforce this behavior with lots of praise and perhaps a small portion of a favorite snack or something else he likes. It is importnat that he is engaged with a person or an activity (such as reading or a puzzle, etc) on a somewhat frequent basis. That being said, he also will most likely need some time where he is allowed to relax and "be engrossed in his own world." You may also want to develop a system where he can say one word or hand you a card with the word "break" written on it so that he can tell you when he is feeling overwhelmed and needs a break from the situation or activity. (Source #1)
- To motivate him to use language, you could, for example if you know he wants juice, don't just give it to him becuase you know that's what he wants. Have him say, "juice," or if he is not ready for that yet, just the first sound of the word before you give him any juice. Gradually, very slowly, require him to say additional words such as, "want juice," then "want juice please," then "I want juice please, etc." before you give him the juice. Start with him requesting with one word for most of the things he wants, before starting to require sentences. (Source #1)
- "Many children with autism are good at drawing, art and computer programming. These talent areas should be encouraged. I think there needs to be much more emphasis on developing the child's talents. Talents can be turned into skills that can be used for future employment." (Source #2)
- "Teaching generalization is often a problem for children with autism. To teach a child to generalize the principle of not running across the street, it must be taught in many different locations. If he is taught in only one location, the child will think that the rule only applies to one specific place." (Source #2)
- "I interpret language literally. It's very confusing for me when you say, 'Hold your horses, cowboy!' when what you really mean is 'Please stop running.'" (Source #3)
- "A visual schedule is extremely helpful as I move through my day. Like your day planner, it relieves me of the stress of having to remember what comes next, makes for smooth transitions between activities, and helps me manage my time and meet your expectations." (Source #3)
- "Try to identify what triggers my meltdowns. This is termed 'the antecedent.' Meltdowns, blowups, tantrums or whatever you want to call them are even more horrid for me than they are for you. They occur because one or more of my senses has gone into overload. If you can figure out why my meltdowns occur, they can be prevented." (Source #3)
- "Work to view my autism as a different ability rather than a disability. Look past what you may see as limitations and see the gifts autism has given me. I may not be good at eye contact or conversation, but have you noticed I don't lie, cheat at games, tattle on my classmates, or pass judgment on other people? . I probably won't be the next Michael Jordan, but with my attention to fine detail and capacity for extraordinary focus, I might be the next Einstein. Or Mozart. Or Van Gogh. They had autism too." (Source #3)
Other Answers:
most people living with aspergers are very intelligent..
Some of the most driven workers have aspergers..
You can finction very well with it although you have problems with relationships and such ..
There is heaps of information and support groups out there. You friend is not alone..
Tell her to see him not as disordered but as gifted..
I like Tracii's answer. just be paitent and there are tons of help groups for those difficult times.
I always wanted what that was about.
In-home therapy sessions, they not only come to the family and help they also have group functions where they take the kid's to the movies, park and in the summer they offer services to assist the child become familiar with others. Enroll him in school, where we're at it's called Early Interventions they'll prepare the child and help him with speech, therapy, skill adjustments so he'll be ready for kindergarten.
My son has Autism and we've been going down this raod for three and a hlf years now, always feel comfortable to ask questions to health providers, pediatricians, therapists and psychologist this will assist them in their reviews and evaluations.
)o( Goddess Bless )o(
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