subject: What Parents Need To Know About Aspergers Syndrome And Education In Schools [print this page] There are several unique challenges for parents of children with Aspergers. Education, or academics, may not be an issue at all. However, the technical attributes of Autism and the social aspects of school can create problems. Parents need to be aware of these concerns for the sake of their child's education. Here are four key issues parents need to know about Asperger's Syndrome and education in the school setting.
Building a solid relationship with teachers and administrators is importantyou all are a team brought together by the needs of the child with Aspergers. Education team members include everyone from the principal to the special education coordinator, to the resource and therapy assistants, to the classroom teachers and the parents. Mutual respect within the child's team will result in a better atmosphere for the child while at school.
Most schools cannot offer the amount and quality of therapies your child needs. This is why the fight for Autism insurance coverage is so crucial. Public schools are often stretched by staffing and funding problems, allowing for minimal services. They do the best they can in most instances, but parents must realize the necessity of private therapies or home programs.
IEPs are more than social and academic goals. Parents must learn about the IEP process for their child with Aspergers. Education plans must include reasonable goals and accom-modations to make school life appropriate for the student. Some accommodations may in-clude using a keyboard for writing assignments, extra time for tests, avoiding crowded times and areas like the halls or cafeteria, a special time-out zone, and use of an IPad or IPod during class.
Bullying is a major problem for children on the Autism spectrum. Experts believe nearly 100% of students with ASD are bullied during their school years. This is a sad, but credible estimate due to the characteristics exhibited by children with Autism. Weak social ability makes for an unsuspecting target. Parents must work closely with school administrators to protect their child with Aspergers.
The learning environment can be tricky when it includes Aspergers. Education is the key to future independence. Students with Autism are often excited about the possibility of graduating from high school and going to college. Parents who take the time to work alongside school administrators to form an appropriate educational blueprint have a better chance to reap the reward of well-adjusted children with hope for the future. I hope that this has given you some helpful insights into supporting your child with Aspergers in Education.
