Teaching a Child Diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome

Upon first encounter, Jeremy is a troublemaker. He doesn’t listen to direction, and doesn’t respond to questions. In fact, he does listen very well, although it seems it is only to do the exact opposite of what is being asked of him.

Jeremy has been diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. This is a neurological disorder considered to be a form of autism. This disorder is characterized mainly by poor social interactions. Children with Asperger Syndrome are often considered to be very advanced compared to other children their age, however, due to the lack of social skills and having a hard time forming relationships, this fact is often overridden by their strange behavior.

Children like Jeremy require special attention. Children with Asperger Syndrome can tend to engage in obsessive behavior, and so need to have a routine that allows them to do the same things at the same time every day to help them focus. It also helps to have specific cues to remind them to continue focusing once they get off track, such as a touch on the arm or a keyword.

Teaching a child with Asperger Syndrome is not for the impatient, as they often need help with the smallest task, such as demonstrating proper manners. Jeremy needed help through role play on how to ask for a pencil, or the proper way to sit in a chair. Lessons with him could become very tedious, but also very rewarding when a goal was reached.

With handling children with Asperger Syndrome, it is best to set small goals, and take little steps towards reaching them. They will need positive reinforcement over and over, and repetition will be key. Although it may seem the child may just be doing things out of spite, it is best to stay calm and stay focused, as their behavior will only be a normal symptom of their neurological disorder. Teaching a child like Jeremy may become very stressful, but can also be very rewarding in the end.