Children and teens with Asperger’s Disorder function best when things are highly routine so they can predict what is going to happen throughout the day. When unexpected changes, even minor ones, occur during the school day, they tend to react with anxiety and obsessive worry, which in turn can lead to behavior problems and emotional outbursts.
Try to help your child’s teacher understand that you, of course, know that your child has to learn to cope with change and unexpected disruptions, but that his Asperger’s Disorder makes this far more difficult for him than the average child. His difficulty coping with change is a symptom of his Asperger’s Disorder and he will respond best with support and accommodation rather than throwing him into the changes and forcing him to deal with it.
Some tips for teachers include:
• Provide a consistent daily classroom routine
• Post the daily schedule on the wall or board
• Highlight any changes on the schedule
• Announce as soon as you know of any changes
• Write changes on the wall calendar or chalkboard
• Expose child to the upcoming change if possible
• Use pictures/wall calendar to indicate changes and upcoming events
