How to help your child if they have Asperger's Syndrome

How to help your child if they have Asperger’s Syndrome

Apr 14th, 2009

This blog is continued from the blog series part 3

Asperger’s Syndrome can be challenging for both the affected individual and their parents. Here are 5 tips to help your child adjust and offer support:

Learn about the disorder.

Look into educational or training programs for parents.

Learn about your child.

Since signs and symptoms vary for each child, learn which situations cause problems for your child.
Get support from professionals and from family members.

It is important to care for yourself in order to care for your child. Hospitals and mental health centers often offer support groups and professional resources.
Teach your child by using visuals.

Visuals include assignment sheets, checklists, pictures, drawings, hand signals, cue cards, and timers. These can help your child focus attention, help your child from becoming confused, and make concepts more concrete.
Help your child manage anxiety.

After identifying the source of anxiety, help your child understand the anxiety and make a list of those situations. Rank from less severe triggers to most severe. Prepare your child for these anxiety triggers. Give alternative behaviors/options for your child. For example, teach your child to use calming words instead of screaming. Continue practicing, rehearsing, and reinforcing these behaviors.