Explaining AS to children

[NicoleB76]

For the last 6 months we've been dragging my son to many different doctors trying to get him tested, diagnosed etc. He has a huge complex and always thinks he's done something wrong. We've tried to explain to him that we know school is very hard for him and want to find a way to help him. But he thinks it's because he doesn't concentrate like he should, not that he doesn't concentrate because he can't. A few days ago I tried to explain that his brain learns different than other kids and that we're trying to find out how to help him learn, but I don't think he got it.

Any suggestions?

 

[HazelAngel]

When I was young and I found out I had AS my mum told me my brain works differently thats all.

 

[cobweb]

I've told him that everyone has something unique about them. He's in a self contained classroom so he knows several special needs kids and it is easier for him to relate. Sometimes if we are not around other people I will have him point out things that make people he knows different and then ask him if he still likes them (he does). Usually it helps him to see that if he can like people who are not like him.... maybe other people can like him too.

He gets angry when anyone talks about his issues and I usually have to remind him that we are all "different". His brain works differently than most people and that isn't a bad thing.... just a difference. Sometimes I have to mention that the same thing that makes people think he is weird sometimes is the exact same thing that makes him really smart. Usually he is ok after that.

 

[NicoleB76]

Thanks ladies, I really appreciate your input.

 

[HazelAngel]

Ur welcome NicoleB876. Any time u need a favour all u have to do is ask kk.

 

[vespasia]

I have used the childrens story 'Tacky the penguin' as a way to explain differant is differant not bad and then built up social stories to begin to explore in more depth with kids in the community.
The books by Luke Jackson who has aspergers are also useful.
see this website for infromation.

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/author.php/id/877

Hope that helps.

 

[HazelAngel]

neva heard of any of those stories but I have heard of a couple of books. I will find their authors for u ok.

All cats have Aspergus Syndrome and the Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime kinda is for ppl with autism not Asbergus Syndrome but the one with the cats in it is good, a picture book. Those two books might help.

 

[NicoleB76]

THanks I'll look into those books!