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Learn about the disorder. Just 20 years ago, many pediatricians hadn't heard of Asperger's
syndrome. Now, there are numerous books and Web sites
dedicated to the disorder. Do some research, so you better
understand your child's challenges and the range of services
in your school district and state that may help.
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#2 -
Understand
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Learn about your child. The signs and symptoms
of Asperger's syndrome are different in every child,
and young children have a hard time explaining their
behaviors and challenges. But, with time and
patience, you'll learn which situations and
environments may cause problems for your child and
which coping strategies seem to help. Keeping a
diary and looking for patterns may help.
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#3 - Professionals
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Find
a team of trusted professionals.You'll
need to make important decisions about your child's
education and treatment. Find a team of teachers and
therapists who can help evaluate the options in your
area and explain the federal regulations regarding
children with disabilities.
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#4- Help Others
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Help others help your child.
Most children with Asperger's syndrome have no
visible sign of their disability, so you may need to
alert coaches, relatives and other adults to your
child's special needs. Otherwise, a well-meaning
coach may spend time lecturing your child on
"looking at him while he's talking" — something that
can be nearly impossible for a child with Asperger's
syndrome.
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#5 - Art & Music
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Art
and music are particularly useful in sensory
integration, providing tactile, visual and auditory
stimulation. Music therapy is good for speech
development and language comprehension. Songs can be
used to teach language and increase the ability to
put words together. Art therapy can provide a
nonverbal, symbolic way for the child with autism to
express him or herself.
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#6 - Animal Therapy
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Animal therapy may include horseback riding or
specialty dogs trained for autism. Therapeutic
riding programs provide both physical and emotional
benefits, improving coordination and motor
development while creating a sense of well-being and
increasing self-confidence.
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