How to Discipline a Child That Has Asperger's

Setting Clear Guidelines

• Because a child with Asperger̵7;s syndrome interprets the information around her in a literal way, keep your rules of behavior concrete and tangible, according to ̶0;When Your Child Has Asperger̵7;s Syndrome̶1; by William Stillman. For example, write your rules down as a list of bullet points. Sit down with your child and review the list. Even more effective is a mutual agreement between you and your child. Have her sign it as a way of encouraging her to accept ownership of her behavior and its consequences. In addition, decide together how many infractions and warnings are allowed before you deliver your standard consequence. Once you set forth these rules, you have to stick by them just as you expect her to do.

Acceptable Discipline

• Many forms of discipline for children without Asperger̵7;s syndrome also apply to your child. If she misbehaves, for example, it is appropriate to take away a privilege, such as playing a video game. You can suspend an allowance, ground her, or send her to her bedroom for a set time period. Avoid threats to encourage cooperation; even though she may drive you to exasperation, she will comprehend these threats in a literal way and withdraw from you. Threats can also cause long-term damage, according to Stillman. If you feel yourself pushed to the limit when disciplining your Asperger's child, take a timeout to calm yourself and regroup. Phone a friend. Losing your temper or using corporal punishment will not improve matters and will make it more difficult to get through to your child.

Rules for Social Activities

• Anticipating behavior issues prior to a social activity will go far in preventing problems. For example, if your family attends religious services, set forth and review rules beforehand with your child. For example, the first rule might state that it̵7;s alright for her to talk with others before the service starts. Once it begins, rule No. 2 might say she should be quiet and only whisper. Rule No. 3 could be a warning -- if she isn't quiet, expect Mom or Dad to remind her to be quiet. Rule No. 4 might give her permission to draw or read a book if she gets bored. When the service ends, she can talk to others in her normal voice again. By following a preventive strategy of discipline, you can avoid confusion and punishment.

Heed the Differences

• A child with Asperger̵7;s syndrome may not be able to read your body language accurately. For example, making eye contact may be difficult for your child, particularly if she̵7;s stressed. You may try to use eye contact to get her attention during a scolding, but this may overwhelm her. If she shuts down and you try to give her a reassuring touch, she may then perceive your gesture as an attack. By understanding your child's tendencies and perceptions, you can plan and carryout the form of discipline that works best for her.