1. Teens With Asperger's Need to Be Informed
Even if a teen with Asperger's syndrome has had early intervention and therapies since childhood these are only coping mechanisms. The symptoms of the syndrome never go away completely. Asperger's is commonly identified by a lack of social skills, communication delays and an intense interest in one area. It's critical that a teen with this syndrome understand their social challenges and continually work to use those weaknesses as strengths. The more they know about Asperger's, the better they will be able to cope and succeed.
2. Social Skills Training Is Vital
A teen with Asperger's can benefit greatly from a social skills class with others their age. They can learn from these groups how to navigate confusing social situations. These groups can also help reduce isolation, teach empathy and role play social lessons. In addition, teens with the syndrome can benefit from speech therapy to improve their ability to communicate effectively. Speech therapy also can help them to navigate the often confusing slang of teens, which may not be intuitive to them.
3. Magnify The Passion
Most teens with Asperger's are passionate about a specific topic, sport, subject, video game or book series. They may have a favorite comic book series or movie that they can talk about endlessly. It's useful to learn the teen's interest, help to keep it in balance and to use that interest to chart a future career. Allow the teen to maintain the nterests, but guide the passion to limit obsessive behaviors.
4. Teens With Asperger's Can Struggle With Focus
Asperger's impacts a teen's ability to pay attention, especially to areas outside of their passionate interests. Often, teens with this syndrome get into trouble in class for their frequent interruptions. Some teens with Asperger's can benefit from medication to treat their attention challenges, similar to those with ADD or ADHD.
5. Use Positive Reinforcement of Good Behavior
Teens with this syndrome respond well to approval. They have a strong desire to fit in, unlike those with autism. It's important that they get behavioral training that focuses on the positive things they do and helps them to control the negative. Positive reinforcers can reduce depression or low self image in teens with Asperger's. They need positive feedback to keep succeeding in areas they find challenging.
