How to Be a Better Dad to an Asperger's Child

If you are the father of an Asperger's child, you are familiar with the unique set of challenges that this neurobiological disorder, which falls under the autism spectrum disorder category, brings. Obsessions, odd speech patterns, poor social skills and strange mannerisms characterize Asperger's syndrome. Knowing that every Asperger's child is unique and taking the time to recognize and understand your child's particular needs can help you become a better dad and help you child live a happy and fulfilling life.

Instructions

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      Set and keep expectations simple and consistent for your child, notes Daniel Cross, pediatric physical therapist. Explain the rules of the house to your child and reinforce them every day. Be patient. You need to kindly remind your child what the expectations for his behavior are as frequently as necessary -- perhaps as often as every hour. Develop a daily routine and don't make sudden changes to the routine.

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      Find opportunities throughout the day to praise your child. Compliment both successes and good attempts at success. Be specific in what you say so your child knows why you are praising him.

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      Encourage your child to watch other children. Dr. Melissa Conrad Stöppler notes in an article for MedicineNet.com that many successful adults who have Asperger's syndrome say that they learned social skills by watching and emulating the behavior of others. Even if your child does not possess social understanding, simply copying what other children are doing can help her learn successful social interaction.

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      Teach your child a safety phrase. Stöppler emphasizes the importance of teaching your child a phrase he can use if he finds himself in a situation where he experiences feelings of unease or uncertainty. Because Asperger's children experience anxiety in unfamiliar situations, knowing a particular phrase he can say that will cause you or another caregiver to respond appropriately will enable him to feel safe and comfortable.

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      Get support for yourself. Although you might want to focus solely on the needs of your Asperger's child, getting the support you need will enable you to be the best father you can be. You cannot help your child if you are not meeting your own physical and emotional needs. A support group at a hospital or mental-health facility might offer the support you need to thrive and recognize that you are not alone in your parenting journey.

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