Cognitive - average/above average. Many children with Aspergers are also highly gifted, have an amazing memory, can have extroadinarily academic discussions at an early age and are often bored at school. These people need to know why they need to do or learn something before they will do it, if they can already do it, the chances are that they will not do it or resist. This is part of the syndrome and not arrogance, although that is a common misunderstanding.
Very sensitive to lights/touch/SOUND
Too much action, too many people making too much noise - too much for many with Aspergers, classrooms, shopping malls and playgrounds all too busy.
If they become overwhelmed, this can lead to a MELTDOWN or refusal to co-operate, hiding/running away or destroying books/worksheets etc. This is not attention seeking behaviour, rather their complete inability to communicate their needs - not because their communication skills are weak in terms of getting the words out but in terms of getting their point across when they are stressed.
Eye contact makes them uncomfortable and they can concentrate more if they don't have to deal with eye contact. If they are looking away, that doesn't mean that they are not listening, to the contrary they are probably taking in every word. Visual communication works better than talking/explaining, so pictures, symbols, cartoons, demonstrations, diagrams and illustrations or even bullet points are a huge help.
Asperger sufferers tend to be outsiders, partially due to the fact that they feel relaxed in their own company but also because tact and diplomacy, whilst can be learned, doesn't come naturally, so friendships suffer from harsh words, painful truths and direct dialogues. Teachers, relatives etc should not take this personally, the asperger sufferer generally cannot perceive the situation from another person's point of view.
|
|
