Asperger's Disorder: Tips for parents and teachers

• I may overreact for no apparent reason, but usually I have a reason -- I just can't say yet.

• Just because I was able to control myself for several days does not mean I can today.

• I don't misbehave on purpose, and I am not trying to defy or annoy you.

• Don't expect me to be smart in every subject just because I have a great vocabulary.

• Please don't tell me to "work it out" with my classmates. I have no idea how to do that.

• I love to talk and do not know when to stop. Gently remind me to "hold that thought."

• I am at my best when every day goes predictably. Please try to have a routine in class.

• Please warn me in advance of upcoming changes since I do not cope well with change.

• Keep a close eye on me in group activities because I do not do well in groups.

• I am at risk for trouble when I have unstructured time. Please help me find things to do.

• I learn and understand best with visual materials. I like charts, pictures and schedules.

• I have to be told in each setting how to behave even if it is similar to other settings.

• I like to be asked or suggested rather than rigidly forced to do something.

• Please give me a place to go to if I feel like I am getting out of control.

• I respond best to calm and patient authority figures.

• I can complete things best if you tell me only one step at a time.

• When I talk about the same thing over and over, please gently suggest I talk about it later.

• I am overly sensitive to criticism and will overreact to being told I am wrong.

• I will stop my misbehaviour more if you redirect me instead of criticizing me.

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Excerpted from The Asperger's Answer Book: The Top 300 Questions Parents Ask by Susan Ashley, Ph.D. Copyright 2007 by Susan Ashley. Excerpted with permission by Sourcebooks. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced without permission in writing from the publisher.