Homeschooling Aspergers and Teaching Strategies

Homeschooling Aspergers and Teaching Strategies can be used in conjunction with the suggestions listed for sensory challenges and behavioral challenges.

The techniques I list, associated with teaching a child with Asperger's Syndrome or Nonverbal Learning Disorder, are based on my own experience with my son who has been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, and on my teaching experience in the public schools.

Please keep in mind I am not a medical expert or an occupational therapist, but have read extensive works regarding Asperger's Syndrome and Nonverbal Learning Disorder.

These are suggestions based on my education and experience. Please consult with a professional for more assistance and/or diagnosis.

Suggested Techniques for Homeschooling/Teaching a Child with Aspergers:

2. Clear the workroom of visual clutter, especially the worktable, or area of instruction.

3. Guide the child verbally throughout the teaching day; implement a lot of repetition and training of skills.

4. Have a daily schedule posted and available at all times.

5. Periodically review the daily schedule.

6. Maximize the predictability of the learning day.

7. Ask encouraging questions like: "What have you already finished working on?"

8. Remember things considered obvious to a typical child may not be to your child.

9. Do not require the child to continually look up facts; assist with basic spelling and basic multiplication facts.

10. Provide a large space for writing and allow multiple errors with the position of the numbers and letters on the paper.

11. Work on letter reversals and capitals daily by giving gentle reminders. Choose a letter every week to correct, e.g. "Make the pronoun i big today."

12. Reward the child for small progress.

13. Give extra practice in problem areas, which might include expressive writing, research reports, problem solving, comprehension, and organization.

14. Allow mistakes with drawing shapes, coloring in the lines, and copying writing. Grapho motor skills are difficult.

15. Draw a star or light pencil mark on the paper where you want the child to begin writing. Highlight margins. Provide index cards for report writing.

16. Use pointers, such as the tip of a pencil or finger, to indicate staring point while reading.

17. Use a plain bookmark or cut piece of paper as a line guide. Place the paper under the text in a book to help the child track the words.

18. Avoid long sequences of verbal instructions; child has an inability to perform simultaneous tasks.

19. Recalling how to form letters, where to begin and end a letter, and where to place the pencil on the paper is difficult. Provide reminders, examples, guides, and ample time for practice.

20. When working on a five paragraph essay, report, etc., write each paragraph on a separate piece of paper or index card and work on one paragraph a day.

21. Review and assign executive function tasks, such as organizing clothes in drawers, emptying the dishwasher, and organizing school supplies, books, and video games.

22. Spend extra time reviewing harder to grasp literary concepts, such as metaphors, personification, and analogies.

23. Allot short amounts of time to practice note taking.

24. Use gentle reminders, "We are working, now."

25. Place ruler under workbook text.

26. Limit the amount of math problems assigned. Write problems on large pieces of construction paper, butcher paper, paper bags, etc.

27. Rhymes and songs help child remember.

28. Read numbers aloud.

29. Play memory games.

30. Focus on the math calculations not the formation of numbers.

31. Keep a number line in work area.

32. Use the computer for variety. Teach computer skills.

33. Model self-talk so the child can gain knowledge in how to use reason.

34. Provide logical explanations, information, and lessons. 35. Do not assume the child is understanding or listening to what you are teaching, reading, or saying.

36. Train the child to point out what she does not understand.

37. Ask the child to rephrase what you said.

38. When introducing a lesson, discuss what you will be doing, assign one or two tasks, allow time for a break, and then reassign more tasks.

39. Allow extra time to complete lessons.

40. On harder days, try an alternative lesson that reflects the child's interest.

41. Avoid extensive writing.

42. Provide the grammar, math, and spelling rules.

43. Focus on strong points and work on weak areas.

44. Don't react to verbal attacks or comments. More Help on Homeschooling Aspergers: Senosory Modifications
Behavioral Modifications
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