Educational tactics to use with an Asperger child
For a teacher, having a child with Asperger’s syndrome in the classroom is a daily challenge that requires full collaboration from the parents and, if possible, the help of a supportive educator who will be a fundamental pillar in order to organize and evaluate results in the more personalized attention of the child with Asperger’s, without neglecting the rest of the class.
It can be a very satisfying experience if we know how to handle it. The guidelines that we are going to give below could be applied to children in general, but they must be taken much more into account with children diagnosed with Asperger’s.
Asperger’s syndrome is not a mental illness, so experts recommend that the child be educated within the system while living with children who do not have the same needs but with whom the relationship is mutually enriching. Treating different people, getting to understand and respect them, is a life lesson, without a doubt, for any little one.
Asperger children and young people have great potential, they usually have a fabulous memory , a great capacity for focused concentration, yes, on very limited interests and even an extensive vocabulary. However, it is very common for these skills to be overshadowed by their difficulties: poor social ability, extreme sensory sensitivity, inattention, problems understanding and blocking to ask for help , are just some of the characteristics of the child with Asperger’s when he is in society and more specifically in school.
These tips that we give below have been compiled from manuals created for teachers who see in this situation an improvement and not a hindrance. Educators who really love their profession and don’t limit themselves when it comes to teaching.
Expert Tactics
This is the summary of the experts’ tactics when treating children with Asperger’s syndrome:
- Calm: The adaptation process is not quick. The child needs to be safe and the teacher to know him, and that may take a few months. Affection, good humor and a lot of serenity are essential to be successful.
- Tranquility: Avoid noise and stressful situations for the little one. The calmer the class, the less stress it will have. If you need to be isolated working alone at some point you have to facilitate the possibility.
- Inclusion: It is very important as a teacher to spread patience and respect for the child with Asperger’s to the rest of the class. If others see that we adults have a calm behavior without losing our nerves they will imitate us. Extra lesson in tolerance!
- Flexibility: It is necessary to lower the demand because the little one is not emotionally stable, maybe one day he is receptive and collaborative, or another day he has anxiety and is more sullen. In addition, it is difficult for him to write for a long time and he has difficulties with homework, for which, for example, he may be allowed to do his tasks orally if they are complicated in writing.
- Asperger Time: The rush is not good for anyone but less for them. They cause anxiety and they become blocked, they cannot hear or understand. Yes, they take longer than others to understand or react, so what? nothing happens. It is his time and to remain calm and open to instructions you have to know how to measure it.
- Routines: Creating and teaching daily routines at school is basic. Writing them down, having them in view, showing them as they are done, reassures you and gives you security. You should always know what is going to happen next and know the steps to follow: change rooms or tables, get another book, relax between classes …
- Alternative plans: We must make you know that sometimes you can change the routine for something unforeseen. If this happens, you need to know what new plan is going to be implemented. For example, in case of rain we do not go out to the patio but we do puzzles in class.
It all comes down to providing an environment that is as relaxed as possible , without pressure, in which we will observe you in order to get to your way of being and, even, if you do not anticipate your reactions, know what to do when you get overwhelmed or blocked. A lot of patience, listening to parents and having their valuable help, in addition to requesting support staff from the center, are essential points.
On the Internet we can find books and guides published mostly by Asperger Syndrome associations. I recommend looking for them, reading them thoroughly and, above all, not giving up. Children with Asperger’s are different than most but they have a wonderful depth in which we surely find many satisfactions when we manage to make them feel safe and open their hearts to us.
Hello, thank you for your article, I have a 4 and a half year old boy, diagnosed with mild autism grade I without intellectual deficiency, enrolled in preschool level II, attends psychopedagogy and language sessions as well as psychiatry and psychology, your article I liked it a lot because despite the names of pathologies according to different and related at the same time, the recommendations have a lot in common and that is what we are doing to achieve their social integration, because that is how they are. Whenever you have something to share on the subject, do not hesitate to publish it so that parents like me, as well as teachers and the public in general, have a word of help on how to continue improving the quality of life of our children with special conditions . Thank you!!!