Aspergers Syndrome

Children with Aspergers Syndrome need structured routine. 

This routine begins the second their feet hit the floor in the morning and continues until they are back in bed. 

Planning the morning routine can be critical to a successful day in school. 

The child with Aspergers Syndrome can benefit from visual reminders, using either pictures and/or lists of their morning and afternoon routine.    

Also, critical to their success, is that you and your child visit the school prior to the first day of class. 

The child with Aspergers Syndrome needs to walk through their day, get used to the environment, and have some idea of the expectations that lie ahead. 

Meet with his or her teachers. 

Following your visit, it is a good idea to make a list of some of your child’s needs. 

This will help the teacher’s get to learn a little more about your child. 

This routine will need to follow through your child’s day at school. 

The child with Aspergers Syndrome needs to know what is expected of him or her, and know that there will be little variation of that throughout the day. 

This will lessen anxiety and reduce the possibility of inappropriate behaviors. 

Having a schedule or routine when they arrive home from school is also critical. 

This should include a time for homework and a quiet place for them to do it. 

Removing distractions will be helpful to the child with Aspergers Syndrome.   

There will be moments throughout the day when the child with Aspergers Syndrome begins to perseverate or obsess about their topic of choice. 

This is a way for them to deal with anxiety or stressors that are occurring. 

Although this behavior will seem inappropriate, it does serve them in reducing stress and anxiety. 

An appropriate and effective way to deal with this is to provide them with a timer that will allow them to participate in the behavior for a certain period of time, while still allowing you the control you need. 

Sleep for the child with Aspergers Syndrome may not come easily. 

They need a bedtime routine and this routine should not vary. 

The routine for a child with Aspergers Syndrome may not be that much different than a bedtime routine for any child; however, for the child with Aspergers Syndrome, you need to stick to the routine, no deviation. 

Allow them a period of quiet time prior to bedtime. 

Use the usual routines of snack, bath, bedtime story, but follow them to the letter.   

Remember that the child with Aspergers Syndrome may have sensory dysfunction and be sensitive to too much stimulation. 

Make sure their bed is comfortable for them. 

Sheets that feel soft to you might feel like sandpaper to them! 

Make sure there are no unusual smells or sounds. 

Remove items from the room that may be likely to stimulate them.   

The need for routine in the life of a child with Aspergers Syndrome cannot be overstressed.

It will help to eliminate anxiety and stress in both the child’s life and yours.