How to Discipline a Child With Asperger's Syndrome Who Refuses to Do School Work
Kids with Asperger's syndrome are often highly intelligent so it's frustrating when they lag behind academically in school. Despite their high intelligence, they often need extra time to process directions and complete tasks. Staying focused is a challenge too. If your child has a hard time completing work at school, she's likely bringing home an extra load of homework every night, a situation that can cause frustration for both of you. Set up a time with the teacher to talk about possible causes and solutions to the homework battle, and include your child in your discussions about homework. Ultimately, any discipline you mete out should include adaptations and strategies to encourage success.
Things You'll Need
- Timer
Instructions
Ask for Information
Talk with your child and the teacher to find out why your child's resisting the homework. Perhaps the homework is too hard or your child doesn't understand the directions. Make adaptations to the homework based on your findings. For example, many kids with Asperger's syndrome have difficulty with small motor skills such as writing. Talk with the teacher about using a keyboard instead or reduce the amount of writing required. If your child doesn't understand the directions, break each assignment down into three or four concrete, easy-to-follow steps. Gear homework toward your child's interests when possible. Most kids with Asperger's have one or two intense interests, such as dinosaurs, chess or computers. Perhaps your child can write a report on dinosaurs or chess strategies. Kids are much less likely to balk about assignments that reflect their interests. Set up a predictable schedule for homework so your child expects it everyday. Kids with Asperger's usually have trouble organizing themselves and need some help from parents. Complete homework everyday at a specific time and in a specific place. The more consistent you are, the less resistance you'll likely encounter. Set a timer to keep your child on track while he does his homework. Sometimes kids with Asperger's become distracted and dawdle. When homework takes longer than it should, they lose motivation. Remove privileges as a consequence for failing to do homework. Use your child's preferred interests as an incentive. No computer time, video games or reading, for example, until homework is complete. Your child will probably test you to see if you mean it. Stick with your guns and eventually she'll probably comply.
