Some children and adolescents have clothing preferences based on their level of comfort or sensory sensitivity. Children rarely make clothing choices based on peer pressure, but rather on concerns about their own comfort. Some children, for example, prefer no ridges on the neck, no elastic at the waist or wrist, and no buttons down the front of his shirt. Others prefer blue jeans, while others only wear elastic waist trousers.
Their lack of social creativity and communication skills would also make it difficult for them to learn, read, and solve problems. These children would also show clumsy and uncoordinated body movements, making them a focus for teasing in gym class and bad choices for athletic events.
Although highly articulate and expressive language skills can persuade others that the child has advanced communication skills, this is a mislabeling of the child’s abilities. Children can struggle with narrative skills, such as relating past events or retelling stories or television shows in a sequential manner. They sometimes leave out crucial pieces of relevant information and can fully rewrite the story.
Asperger’s syndrome children have the intelligence and language development to work in a typical classroom. On the other hand, their peers and classmates should be informed of their condition-related unique behavioural mannerisms and learning abilities. It should be remembered that prior to any peer training, the parent of the child with Asperger’s syndrome must give permission. This exchange of knowledge with the child’s classmates, especially when children discover that the child with Asperger’s syndrome does not want to behave in these ways and is unable to work in any other way, also contributes to greater understanding and social acceptance by their peers.
Although the actions of children with Asperger’s syndrome may present a major challenge to parents, peers, and teachers, there are unique techniques that can be used to promote more positive engagement for the children, as well as social strategies that can benefit them throughout their lives.