If an Asperger’s child is to attend a public school, it is important that he have lots of support available. The best way to assure this is by supplying the school with a Statement of Special Education. This will give school officials advice on the needs of the Asperger’s child. This advice should be supplied by the parents and a health care professional who specializes in Asperger’s Syndrome. Obtaining a Statement of Special Education is a stressful and confusing process that can take more than six months. Contact anyone who may be able to help you with this process. It is important that the Asperger’s child have this support in place before attending school, or as soon as possible after he is diagnosed.
The school that the Asperger’s child attends must be willing to learn about Asperger’s Syndrome and the difficulties that both the child and teachers will face. Asperger’s children need a very structured environment if they are expected to excel. The more structured the school environment, the less behavioral problems will become evident. Check with several schools to find out what support is available.
A teacher with a specific knowledge of the Autism spectrum should be assigned to give support to the Asperger’s child, the teachers and the school. Each child who has Asperger’s Syndrome should also be assigned a Special Support Assistant (SSA,) or, in Canada, an Educational Assistant (EA.) Other specific professions support, such as language and speech therapists should be assigned if applicable to ensure the child develops proper language and speech skills.
If you plan on home schooling your child, speak to your Asperger’s health professional. A diary should be kept for communication, achievements and problems. Home schooling is not always the answer for children with Asperger’s, as they do need a lot of social interaction with children their own age in order to develop communication skills. Only your Asperger’s health care professional can tell you if home schooling your child is the right for him. After all, the child’s well-being is the top priority.