Aspergers Syndrome - Helping Children With Aspergers In The School

Canada -- Free-Press-Release.com-- Feb 21, 2011 -- In June, 2010, Tom Hack’s seven year old son was diagnosed with asperger’s syndrome. Leading up to the diagnosis Hack’s son was often getting in trouble at school prompting the assessment. “I was at my wits end, as I am sure his teachers and principal were as well. My son was identified at an early age for “behavioural” at school. His teachers would often send notes home or tell me in the hall about the strange events that took place that day. Making animal noises in class, problems on the school yard, hands on, unsafe climbing, a fascination with the word “poop” and saying it non stop. One teacher reported my son seemed to lack empathy. He often had a problem making and keeping friends and was even not allowed to play with a neighbour’s child. Birthday party invitations just did not happen. After the diagnosis I had to shift my outlook from “how do I deal with this bratty kid” to “how can I get him the help he needs for his disability”?

The school seemed skeptical of the Asperger’s diagnosis at first even questioning the diagnosis. “I have to admit, when I first found out what my son had, I had never heard of it.” Asperger’s is often referred to as a hidden disability which results in greater difficulty getting additional support or services. “My first reaction was to get educated and I consumed every book and website I found on the topic. As the school year progressed the teacher and principal seemed to be losing their patience. Weekly trips to the office and two suspensions so far in the first five months. The specialist team came in for a visit and made a few recommendations but it did not seem to really change his behaviour. Watching my son being constantly disciplined for things his disability prompts him to do was upsetting and I felt compelled to take action. I created a website to help his teachers better understand Asperger’s Syndrome. It includes useful articles on the behaviour he displays and even a discussion forum where teachers from around the globe can compare strategies and struggles in teaching children with Asperger’s. Aspergers Syndrome Site
I feel working with the school will result in the best outcome for my child.

"My eight year old son is gifted and has an amazing memory. He watched a Rubik’s Cube tutorial and mastered the cube two days later. He now does the cube in just over a minute. Someday he will be a positive contributing member to society. We all just need a little patience and understanding to help him get there."

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Understanding Aspergers
Tom Hack
http://www.understandingaspergers.ca