How to Get Help Raising an Asperger's Child

Raising a child with Asperger's syndrome holds its own unique joys and challenges. In order to provide your child with the supportive and loving environment that he needs to thrive, you'll want to arm yourself with accurate information and surround yourself with a solid support system of family, friends and professionals to help you and your child thrive and succeed every step of the way.

Instructions

1. Learn about Asperger's syndrome. A good source for information is OASIS, or Online Asperger's Syndrome Information and Support.

2. Determine therapy needs. Because there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for Asperger's, diagnostic tests are necessary to determine what the best types of help for your child may be. Assessments may include basic language and learning and behavioral and functional abilities. Your health care professionals can guide you through this process.

3. Seek out a support group. A support group can be your most valuable resource, where you can give and receive help and encouragement on all aspects of raising your Asperger's child. You'll meet other families in the same circumstances who live nearby, and have access to a full range of support services in your community.

4. Get specialized training. Seek out the training you need to be effective in helping your child. Dealing with problem behaviors can be frustrating, and the more equipped you are, the more success your child will experience. Your support group or your child's therapist or physician should be able to connect you with training programs that you can attend.

5. Educate friends and family members. Those who are unaware of the special needs or unconventional behaviors of a child with Asperger's syndrome may criticize, avoid or misunderstand the child, the parent or the situation. A little education can go a long way in increasing communication, understanding and support.

6. Surround your child with supportive people. Asperger's syndrome can severely affect your child's ability to relate to others socially. Surrounding the child with people who understand and care about them can increase their confidence and their ability to relate to others appropriately.

7. Consult with your child's school and teacher. Keeping the lines of communication open between you and the school will help to make your child's school experience a success. Among other things, the teacher can educate the other students, seat your child next to supportive classmates and emphasize your child's strengths in the classroom.

Resources

• OASIS, a source for accurate information about Asperger's syndrome.
• Adaptive behavior scales for early childhood.
• Directory for Asperger's support groups and organizations.