Today, children with Asperger’s syndrome in school are usually in the regular classroom for most or all of the day, but they face many challenges that other children do not. It is important for peers and teachers of children with Asperger’s to understand that these children are more susceptible to bullying and teasing, and that they may have problems with organization, suffer from physical sensitivities and exhibit obsessive behaviors.
The good news is children with Asperger’s syndrome will also possess many positive qualities that are a welcome addition in the classroom. Often, these kids will follow classroom rules religiously, as long as they are clearly communicated. They usually have a different and unique way of looking at things that can add variety in a lesson. Many Asperger children are very intelligent, and understand difficult concepts that do not come easy for other kids.
Children With Asperger Syndrome – Bullying and Teasing
One of the hardest issues that children with Asperger syndrome will have to face in school is bullying. Kids with AS are a huge target for bullies, because they sometimes do not understand sarcasm, and cannot read facial expressions effectively enough to know when something is supposed to be a joke. AS kids often take things very seriously and this can provide the perfect fodder for a bully looking to pick on someone.
Worse yet is how kids with Asperger’s may react to a bully. Instead of standing up for themselves, they may encourage the behavior further by smiling, ignoring, or being unable to hide their upset emotions. Also, because some kids with AS are also obsessive, they may harp on the incident of teasing over and over and make themselves much more distressed.
Children need to learn that the most effective way of dealing with a bully is to be firm, say “no”, and not escalate emotionally. Teaching kids with Asperger’s syndrome that they are, in fact, getting bullied, will be the biggest challenge. For more information on how to help a child with Asperger’s syndrome deal with bullies, read Asperger Syndrome and School Bullying.
Asperger’s and Organization
Children with Asperger’s syndrome will have a disadvantage when it comes to organizing their time and their schoolwork. Although it will be difficult to teach these kids how to adequately organize their time, there are various tools and devices that can assist in this endeavor. Timers on digital clocks, watches, and iPhones will help immensely. Teachers will also need to give many warnings to show that time is almost up.
Using color-coded folders, written or electronic organizers, and a written schedule can do organizing work. Further organizational tips and ideas can be found in the article Back to School Organization Tips for ADHD.
Asperger Syndrome, Transitions and Sensory Sensitivities
For children with Asperger’s, being anxious is all part of a typical day. Between being obsessive at times about how they feel things should be done, watching their peers breaking the rules or behaving in odd ways, and being shuffled unexpectedly to other classrooms or areas, these kids have a lot to be nervous about.
They may also have sensory processing issues that make them more sensitive to bright lights, sudden noise, and even the feeling of uncomfortable clothes. Getting ketchup on their paints at lunchtime could be what causes an afternoon meltdown if it isn’t immediately addressed.
It will help these kids if they are given warnings before they need to transition for one classroom to another, or even one task to another. Children with Asperger’s syndrome also need to easily access solutions to sensory problems. Perhaps they can keep a set of earplugs with them for times when there will be noise, such as during music class. Keeping a change of clothing would also be a good idea. Learn more in Autism and Classroom Transitions.
With all of the challenges facing children with Asperger’s syndrome in school, keep in mind that there are many positive attributes as well. These children may need extra help socializing and transitioning, but they will need little or no attention at all with rules, other than initially learning them. One more thing to remember is that kids with Asperger syndrome do not often lie, and are therefore extremely trustworthy.
Karen Plumley - Karen Plumley is a writer specializing in parenting and education. She works for Parenting NH and the Hippo, NH's most widely read ...
