How to Raise a Child with Asperger's Syndrome

Children with Asperger's syndrome may not interact easily with others.

Symptoms of Asperger's syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder, typically appear in childhood. Parents often struggle to raise children with Asperger's syndrome because of their behavioral and social difficulties. Although people with Asperger's typically have average or above-average intelligence and cognitive skills, they have impaired social and communication abilities. Some children with Asperger's display repetitive behaviors or have rigid, obsessive interests. Learning basic strategies for dealing with symptoms of Asperger's makes raising these unique children less stressful.

Instructions

School and Home

1. Create a routine that remains constant from day to day. Schedule wake-up time, meals, recreational activities, homework time and bedtimes. Maintain consistent rules and warn your child about any changes in the routine to prevent her from becoming confused or frustrated.

2. Identify situations that cause your child to act out. Distract your child by capturing his interest with something unrelated or teach him to breathe deeply if he begins to feel anxious or upset.

3. Speak with your child's teacher about Asperger's syndrome and how to educate other students about your child's needs. Work collaboratively with the teacher to create an education plan that addresses your child's specific strengths and weaknesses.

4. Set a specific time for your child to do her homework. Create a system of rewards for completed assignments or good work on projects. Provide plenty of positive reinforcement to encourage your child to try hard and perform well in school.

Social Skills Training

1. Practice social skills by role playing common situations, such as meeting someone new or asking to play with another child. Teach him specific phrases to memorize for use in these situations. Explain what you think and feel in hypothetical social situations to provide your child with an appropriate behavioral model.

2. Explain specific rules for social interactions, such as what behaviors are not appropriate in public. Teach your child to notice social cues, such as smiles or frowns, and what they typically mean. Children with Asperger's syndrome typically have poor intuition about subtle social communication.

3. Initiate play dates and other activities with your child's peer group. Use these opportunities to let your child practice her social skills and responses. Set a specific length of play time so your child knows what to expect.

4. Reinforce successful social interactions with a reward, such as watching television or playing a favorite game. Do not punish your child for behaving poorly in public. Explain clearly why her behavior was inappropriate and how to improve it in the future.

5. Join an Asperger's support group in your community. Talk to other parents to share coping strategies and support. Foster social interactions between your child and other kids with Asperger's syndrome to allow them to practice social skills.

Tips & Warnings

• Explore medications and alternative therapies that may improve your child's behavioral symptoms. Work closely with a physician or psychologist to create specific plans to manage your child's condition.

• Raising a child with Asperger's syndrome is a stressful and challenging task for parents. If you feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities, seek help through counseling or reaching out to friends and family.

References

• Autism Speaks: Asperger's Syndrome
• My Aspergers Child: Raising an Aspergers Child: Tips for Home and School
• My Aspergers Child: Aspergers: Parenting Strategies