Teachers, What can you do when your student with Asperger's can't handle basic academic content?
1. Use concrete language. I misunderstand abstractions, allusions and idioms. They distract and confuse me. If you must, explain them to me in literal terms and check to see if I can translate them into useful understanding.
2. Incorporate visuals. I am so literal that the symbolism of language can escape me. Adding visuals–drawings, flow charts, maps, or pictures will amplify and consolidate my comprehension.
3. Be consistent. I crave sameness. I invest so much energy figuring out how to navigate your expectations, homework formats, lesson style and classroom management that I will give up and withdraw if you change things up. What may seem boring and predictable to you is life support to me. I appreciate repetition and redundancy–they give me the confidence I desperately need.
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