Reflection of children with Asperger's syndrome (Melike Cetin)

The Aspergers syndrome is a pronounced contact and communication disorder which manifests at the latest in preschool and is characterized by a qualitative impairment of the interaction behavior, a lack of empathy, motor delays and strong special interests.

The social significance shows the isolation of children and that they have problems due to their behavioral disorder. Children and adolescents diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome are in all types of schools, from primary school to special schools or high schools. They attract attention by having problems to get to know others or through their peculiarities and preferences.

The most important starting point for teachers to support a child with Asperger Syndrome in school is to realize that the child has an inherent developmental disorder that causes for his or her different behaviors and reactions. Often, the behaviors of these children are interpreted as 'emotional' or 'manipulative', or any other property that misses the point that they respond differently to the world and its stimuli. That’s why the teacher has to adapt the approach carefully and individually. It won’t work when the teacher treats a child with Aspergers syndrome as the same way as he/she does with other children.

Many children with Aspergers syndrome can be teach in the same class with other students without AS. They just need an additional educational support. If learning problems exist, a material room or tutoring can be helpful to provide individual explanations and repetition. Sometimes exists a significant motor awkwardness. Here, a school therapist can give useful information. The school counselor or social worker can provide direct social skills training, as well as emotional support.