When I started school, I noticed that I did not like certain things around me. For example, the fire alarm for the monthly fire drills unnerved me to no end. The feeling that it could happen at anytime almost drove me insane.
Some other problems I would have would be certain smells in the cafeteria would make me ill or the loud noises in the hallways would make me cover my ears because it was too loud. This is called a sensory overload, where certain everyday aspects of life can be uncomfortable for a child with Aspergers. Now, the main question is “What can I do for my child?”.
Well, my mother got involved with the school. She talked to the school staff about my Aspergers and how some sounds or smells can cause a sensory overload. By doing this, they were able to accommodate me i.e. taking me out before the fire alarm went off.
The first thing you can do is do what my mother did:
Talk to the school staff that knows your child and tell them about Aspergers and sensory. Don’t be afraid to tell them the details! Then, see if they can accommodate your child like they did with me.
by Samuel Allen
A graduate of Abilene Christian University, Jennifer had a long career in TV Broadcasting. Upon learning her oldest son Sam had a form of Autism called Asperger’s Syndrome, she left her career and became a full-time mother to both of her sons. Jennifer elicited the participation of her family and together they produced several independent programs including a children’s animated series titled Ameriquest Kids, as well as a documentary and book titled, Coping to Excelling: Solutions for School-age Children Diagnosed with High-Functioning Autism or Aspergers Syndrome. She formed the nonprofit Asperger101 to provide on-going free resources related to ASD at Aspergers101.com and has implemented the Texas Driving with Disability Program and continues to grow the statewide initiative today. She and her husband have recently retired to their property in the Texas Hill Country.
Thank you for sharing your experiences, Samuel! We’d like permission to re-post your information to our 1800 Facebook fans. We use real-world examples of how ASD and related sensory processing challenges in our comics, which are the world’s first to feature a hero with autism. We believe all kids want and need heroes like themselves. I think your experience would resonate well with our fans, and better explain one story about autism/Aspergers. I’m also autistic (and am the script writer), and I appreciate how you crafted these tips for positive advocacy! Thanks in advance!
Hello Dave…we would be honored to have you share Sam’s story! Would you be interested in sharing YOUR story with our readers? If so, please contact Jennifer Allen at jennifer@aspergers101.com.
We think your inspiration would be a great blog in our Autistically Speaking section. We could put a link to your site and work. Thank you and please keep in touch!