Help with a student

[Mskedi]

I'll be speaking with the counselers and school psychiatrist when I return on Tuesday, but I thought I'd get as much advice as I could before going back.

A student with asperger's was just put in one of my classrooms, and I've had no experience with that before. He's a nice kid and everything, but I do have a problem that when I'm trying to give instruction he comments on everything I say and won't stop commenting... it's pretty distracting to the whole class and eats up a lot of the time. During independent and group work he talks to the other students about off-topic subjects and essentially won't get his work done or let them get their work done.

So... tips? How do I refocus his attention? How do I help him work with other students productively? How do I teach him what type of comments are appropriate and on topic, and which ones should wait?

I'm curious to know if anyone knows how I can help him. Thanks.

 

[JesseBassett]

What are his interests? As an Autistic person, I know my obsession is the computer. Maybe if you know his hobbies, you can use that to motivate him to work with other students. Just a thought. I will keep you in my prayers!

 

[redmartian89]

I hope this post isn't too late, but I also would ask his interests. As someone with AS. I do understand the need for some extra challenge or interests to keep busy. I would say talk to him privately and ask him to keep quiet during class. You could see if you might try to integrate his interests with the class. I wish you the best of luck with your student.
Michael