What Your AD (Asperger's Disorder) Child Wants You To Know
- I may overreact for no apparent reason, but usually I have a reason I just can't say yet.
- Just because I was able to control myself for several days does not mean I can today.
- I don't misbehave on purpose, and I am not trying to defy or annoy you.
- Don't expect me to be smart in every subject just because I have a great vocabulary.
- Please don't tell me to "work it out" with my classmates; I have no idea how to do that.
- I love to talk and do not know when to stop. Gently remind me to "hold that thought."
- I am at my best when every day goes predictably. Please try to have a routine in class.
- Please warn me in advance of upcoming changes since I do not cope well with change.
- Keep a close eye on me in group activities because I do not do well in groups.
- I am at risk for trouble when I have unstructured time. Please help me find things to do.
- I learn and understand best with visual materials. I like charts, pictures, and schedules.
- I have to be told in each setting how to behave even if it is similar to other settings.
- I like to asked or suggested rather than rigidly forced to do something.
- Please give me a place to go if I feel like I am getting out of control.
- I respond best to calm and patient authority figures.
- I can complete things best if you tell me only one step at a time.
- When I talk about the same thing over and over please gently suggest I talk about it later.
- I am overly sensitive to criticism and will overreact to being told I am wrong.
- I will stop my misbehavior more if you redirect me instead of criticizing me.
- I am at risk for trouble with transitions and will do better if you help me create a routine.
- I can follow directions better if you tell me one at a time.
- I understand explanations and instructions better when they are short and simple.
- Sounds, lights, smells, textures, and touch may upset me greatly, and I have to get away.
- I am not good at games or ball, and I may refuse to play because I am embarrassed.
- I do my best when the setting is quiet, calm, and not to stimulating.
- I respond well to visual cues (e.g., pointing to your ear for me to listen).
- I am slow to respond if you ask me a question, so please give me time to answer.
- My brain does not work well if I am interrupted. I usually insist on starting all over again.
- Please do not insist that I look you in the eye. I am very uncomfortable with eye contact.
- When I lose control over my anger please send me to my quiet place to calm down. [The quiet place is a refuge, not a punishment - Amanda]
- I just can't ignore the teasing, so please help me find nice children to play with.
- I don't understand jokes or sarcasm so you might have to explain them to me.
- I follow instructions better when they're repeated several times.
- Even though nothing anyone does can cure me, I need your support every day all year.
