A Parent’s Perspective on Asperger Syndrome: A Survive & Thrive Guide
Posted on Thu, Nov 10, 2011 @ 06:29 AM
A Parent’s Perspective on Asperger Syndrome: A Survive & Thrive Guide - Part I
Helen Elder
Most parents who have a child recently diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome are not totally surprised by this. Often there have been signs of something unique in the way their child interacts in the world for quite some time. Since I am not a professional at diagnosing or treating, the insight I offer you is that of a parent. There are numerous books on the subject and more coming out every day. In addition, there are support groups on the internet, in local communities, and many doctors who are now specializing in this area. You are your child’s interpreter for the world and your goal is to raise your child to be a productive and independent contributor to society. You are your child’s best advocate. If you find someone who understands your child, get to know them better and get them on your child’s team to help with advocacy.
Most definitions of Asperger Syndrome are detailed, complicated descriptions. A syndrome in simple terms is a group of characteristics and traits that must be present for that diagnosis. It is important to understand that this is a complex neuro-developmental disability the impacts attention and social skills. In the case of Asperger Syndrome, one of the defining characteristics is what Hans Asperger called ‘little professors’. That is to say, that they go on and on about topics that interest them as if they are giving a presentation or lecture. Children with Asperger Syndrome usually have noticeable delays in development in these areas of attention & social skills compared to their peers in school. People with Asperger Syndrome see the world differently.
In the educational arena, one might think this professor quality would be an ideal fit. However, learning academics is just part of what occurs in the school setting. Schools teach more. Aspies (people with Asperger Syndrome) are excellent about focusing intensely in certain areas and can be “clueless” in others. Often social and sensory areas are developing at a slower pace. There may be academic areas of weakness, as well. Although a child may be bright in one area, they may have learning needs in others. Many children with Asperger Syndrome become somewhat withdrawn. They often have limited food preference, like the child who prefers only white food or the foods must not touch. In this respect, my son is on the opposite side. He is what is called “sensory seeking”. Both the very withdrawn and the hyperactive children are responding to their environment and both point to a “Sensory Dysfunction”.
When my son was in 1st grade, I asked for what is called a functional assessment. A behavior specialist came and observed him for 2 days. The school team found my son’s behaviors on the playground endearing. I saw it as an indicator that my child was not on the same page developmentally as his peers. He would run onto the playground and climb up to the highest point on a play structure and cry out like Winnie the Pooh, “Helloooo, hellooo, would anyone like to play?” By the end of free play, he was walking around the fringes of the playground looking for flowers to pick and collecting rocks. When the report (FBA) was given, my response was to ask if we could get someone to coach him during these times. It may not be easy for the public schools to implement the best strategies for this population. Some children manage in the large classroom with a friend to help them or an understanding teacher. Others struggle and begin to have problem behaviors that lead to frequent referrals to the office, suspensions, and perhaps alternative placements.
The next article will provide some strategies to get started on supporting your child with Asperger Syndrome. These children are bright, endearing, and well worth the efforts.
Chesapeake Bay Academy: Aspergers: wavy.com