Autism impacts people of all ages in different ways. This means can be difficult to know how to interact with people on the spectrum in daily life. But it’s important to note that just because someone is on the spectrum doesn’t mean they’re any less human. For children with Asperger’s Syndrome, these interactions can be even more challenging. Here are a few things these children wish you knew about them.
They have emotions.
Children with Asperger’s Syndrome are just like every other kid. They have feelings, they get excited, and they get sad. They just might not show those emotions in the same way as children who aren’t on the spectrum.
They’re normal.
Society’s definition of what’s normal isn’t always accurate. For children with Asperger’s, that definition may not apply, but that doesn’t mean they’re not normal. They experience life differently from other people, but it’s normal for them. You just need to broaden your perspective.
Be direct.
Children on the spectrum often need to have things explained to them in a different way. They can struggle with assumptions and may not understand directions unless you tell them what you want them to do.
Sometimes, they need to regroup.
Children with Asperger’s Syndrome not only feel emotions—they often feel them strongly. This can make them feel overwhelmed. Instead of pushing them, give them time to regroup and recover from activities and stimuli.
They want you to be patient.
It’s easy to lose patience when things aren’t going your way. Try not to. Remember, they’re experiencing things differently and may take longer to adjust to certain situations. Take a deep breath and give them time.
There’s nothing wrong with them.
Unfortunately, people often assume that there’s something inherently wrong with children on the spectrum because they respond to things differently. There’s nothing wrong with children with Asperger’s Syndrome. They just see the world from a different viewpoint.
They won’t outgrow it.
Asperger’s Syndrome isn’t something they can outgrow and it may mean they won’t outgrow certain preferences or hobbies. But they can learn to better manage their reactions to stimuli so they can participate in society more easily.
Asperger’s doesn’t define them.
Society often views children with Asperger’s Syndrome as if that diagnosis is all they are. These children have distinct personalities, likes, and dislikes just like everyone else. Their diagnosis is just one part of them, not all of them.
They want to be included.
Yes, they’re on the autism spectrum, but they’re no different from other children in that they want to be included in activities. They want friends, they want to play, and they want to enjoy life to its fullest.
They might be able to teach you things.
Children on the autism spectrum are unique and they want to share their way of seeing things with you. Let them. You don’t have to understand it in order to appreciate and learn from it.
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If you’re looking for help interacting with a child with Asperger’s Syndrome or other autism spectrum disorder, reach out today.