To many people, the child with Asperger syndrome may seem difficult and even oppositional. A simple request to put his shoes on and get in the car to go to the grocery store can become a major battle. There are several reasons that this is the case.
Children on the autism spectrum who have Asperger syndrome are very focused on routine. A predictable world is one that they can understand. When there are changes to the routine or the order of “things” the world seems overwhelming to them and they seem to dig their heels in when it comes to obeying even simple requests.
When there is a change in routine (making a quick trip to the grocery store) the child has to deal with understanding the directions and what is expected of him. This is not a simple or quick process for many kids with Asperger syndrome
Give the Child with Asperger Warning that Something Will Be Different
On thing that parents and caregivers can do is give lots of warning that something will be different. Let the child know the typical things that will happen (dinner, clean up, one TV program) and then that there will be a trip to the store. Giving the child some advanced “warning” will give him a chance to think about it and to hopefully accept the change in routine.
Give Directions in Small Steps to the Child with Asperger Syndrome
When asking a child with Asperger syndrome to get ready for this kind of outing, break your requests into small parts. Giving one direction at a time is often effective. We are finished with the TV show, now it is time to go to the store. Put your shoes on please.
After the shoes are on, then announce that it is time to get in the car. Even though, this seems like an everyday routine for the child, it is different because the after dinner trip to the store is not part of the routine.
Consider the Communication Mode of the Child with Asperger Syndrome
Some children on the autism spectrum use a list or set of pictures to represent what will happen during the day. If this is the case, be sure to add the trip to the store into the sequence early on. . . when it is discussed or just prior to it being discussed.
Many children on the autism spectrum respond well to rules. A rule could be created for this unexpected trip to the store. The family rule is – If Dad is out of town, Justin will go to the store with Mom to get bread and milk.
Parents and siblings process a request like going to the store much more quickly and easily than the child with Asperger syndrome. Creating a “rule” for the event, giving him a heads up that it will happen, breaking the directions into single steps can be effective in helping the child obey a simple request like getting ready to go to the store.
