Asperger's and Tyler

Well, we found out today that Tyler has Asperger's Syndrome. It is a mild form of Autism. I'm beginning TONS of research right now, so I can help Tyler and to help educate others arond us in how to interact with Tyler. This had been very shocking and difficult to swallow, but at the same time it's been a relief to finally begin to understand why Tyler is like he is. I'm going to attach some strategies for dealing with Asperger's if you'd like to read a little about it and how to react with Tyler. I'll be blogging a little more I'm sure. Just please pray for Tyler and for James and I in dealing with him and this. Thanks.

General strategies for success

• Children with Asperger's syndrome benefit from daily routines for meals, homework, and bedtime. They also like specific rules, and consistent expectations mean less stress and confusion for them.
  
• Many people with Asperger's syndrome do best with verbal (rather than nonverbal) teaching and assignments. A direct, concise, and straightforward manner is also helpful.
  
• People with Asperger's syndrome often have trouble understanding the "big picture" and tend to see part of a situation rather than the whole. That's why they often benefit from a parts-to-whole teaching approach, starting with part of a concept and adding to it to demonstrate encompassing ideas.
  
• Visual supports, including schedules and other written materials that serve as organizational aids, can be helpful.
  
• Be aware that background noises, such as a clock ticking or the hum of fluorescent lighting, may be distracting to your child.
  
• Children with Asperger's syndrome often mature more slowly. Don't always expect them to "act their age."
  
• Try to identify stress triggers and avoid them if possible. Prepare your child in advance for difficult situations, and teach him or her ways to cope.
  

Strategies for developing social skills

• Your child may not understand the social norms and rules that come more naturally to other children. Provide clear explanations of why certain behaviors are expected, and teach rules for those behaviors.
  
• Encourage your child to make eye contact when spoken to, and explain why it is important. Give lots of praise, especially when he or she uses a social skill without prompting.
  Practice activities, such as games or question-and-answer sessions, that call for taking turns.
  
• Help your child understand others' feelings by role-playing and watching and discussing human behaviors seen in movies or television. Provide a model for your child by telling him or her about your own feelings and reactions to those feelings.
  
• Teach your child how to read and respond appropriately to social cues. Give him or her "stock" phrases to use in various social situations, such as when being introduced. You can also teach your child how to interact by role-playing.
  
• Foster involvement with others, especially if your child tends to be a loner.
  Teach your child about public and private places, so that they learn what is appropriate in both circumstances. For example, hugging may not be appropriate at school but is usually fine at home.
  

Strategies for school

• Use visual systems, such as calendars, checklists, and notes, to help define and organize school work.
  
• Orient your child to the school setting. Before the school year starts, take time to "walk through" your child's daily schedule.
  
• Be aware of and try to protect your child from bullying and teasing. Talk to your child's teacher or school counselor about educating classmates about Asperger's syndrome.
  Ask your child's teacher to seat your child next to classmates who are sensitive to your child's special needs. These classmates might also serve as "buddies" during recess, at lunch, and at other times.
  
• Encourage your child's teacher to include your child in classroom activities that emphasize his or her best academic skills, such as reading, vocabulary, and art.
  
• Set up homework routines for your child by doing homework at a specific time and place every day.
  
• Use rewards to motivate your child. Allow him or her to watch TV or play a favorite video game or give points toward a "special interest" gift when he or she performs well.
  Some children with Asperger's have poor handwriting. Typing schoolwork on a computer may be one way to make homework easier. Using computers can also help children improve fine motor skills and organize information.