How to Socialize Kids With Asperger Syndrome

Asperger syndrome is a neurological disorder that affects a person's development. More specifically, Asperger syndrome affects social skill development and communication. Since social skills and communication are difficult for children with Asperger syndrome, it's important for parents, teachers and other relevant adults to provide socialization opportunities and training.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Contact a psychologist or counselor who is trained in cognitive behavior therapy. This therapy teaches children with Asperger syndrome to recognize potentially problematic situations and use pre-identified and practiced strategies to deal with such situations.
2. Identify situations that are particularly difficult for your child. Use pictures and simple language to create a social story, which teaches your child how to work through the situation.
3. Work with a speech and language pathologist to identify ways to improve your child's pragmatic language. This involves teaching a child the rules of social language, such as staying on topic, taking turns talking and maintaining eye contact.
4. Pair your child with a buddy at school and in other social situations. This may encourage your child to model the buddy's behavior.
5. Practice or role play social interactions with your child at home. Have your child practice taking turns in conversations or staying on topic during conversations. Play social skill games with your child.
6. Help your child to identify group extra-curricular activities that interest him. Encourage your child to participate in these activities regularly.
7. Establish a structured and predictable environment for your child. This reduces anxiety and allows your child to focus on appropriate social interactions.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a digital camera to create social stories for your child.
• Consult with your child's IEP team at school in order to establish a consistent plan between home and school.