How To Explain Aspergers



Posted: Wednesday, April 06, 2011

by Dave Angel
http://www.parentingaspergers.com

Question

My 11 year old son has just been diagnosed with Aspergers and I would like to know what to tell friends, neighbors, teachers and extended family to help them understand his behavior.

Answer

To explain Aspergers Syndrome to friends, families and teachers, start with the facts. Aspergers was first noticed in 1944. It was first seen in children who had been diagnosed with Autistic Personality Disorder. It was found that these children had pronounced delays in social maturity, social reasoning and social abilities. The children also had verbal and nonverbal communication problems. These children were also seen to have problems controlling their emotions and they couldn't intellectualize their feelings.

In further study it was found that these children also developed rather intense interests in various subjects. This preoccupation would dominate their thought processes. Some children had learning problems, difficulty with coordination and sensitivity to certain smells, textures and sounds. This is a brief historical introduction to explain Aspergers Syndrome that can provide some context for explanations to friends and family. Sharing information on any illness or diagnosis requires tact and discretion. You might want to tell the people in your life on a "need-to-know" basis.

Make sure you go into all the positive things about children with Aspergers characteristics, as well. When you explain Aspergers, emphasize that this doesn't make your child weird or inferior. Actors, researchers, scientists and many others who have been diagnosed with Aspergers go on to achieve their life goals. When your friends and relatives are aware of these facts, it will help to dispel the mystery and confusion that surrounds Aspergers. Use classroom materials when you describe Aspergers Syndrome to children. There are materials designed precisely for children to understand the diagnosis.

You can get on the Internet to also get further information to explain Aspergers. You can probably find a list of local groups that will help people and their relatives cope with Aspergers. After you have talked with your friends and relatives about the above information, see if they have any questions you can answer. Emphasize that any question or concern is valid and you will not be offended by inquiries. This will ease communications and show you to be a mature and open-minded individual. It also demonstrates that you love your child and care about friends and family.

It is important to be able to explain Aspergers to people who are interested in an easy to understand manner. Try to use practical examples, and maybe even little stories to help the other person really understand.

Dave Angel is a Social Worker and the author of three best-selling ebooks about Aspergers Syndrome. Do you have an Aspergers child? Get your free report 'Secrets to Parenting your Child with Aspergers' Guide at www.parentingaspergers.com/blog
This Article has been viewed 213 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
No comments yet.
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.