[senco-forum] ASD Observation

Many of the children I come across who seem to be slightly on the spectrum/

LOL  This is *almost* like taking something which is a 'normal' part
of child development and then trying to find out why children with an
ASD might be normal. ;-)

What may reflect the spectrum 'take' on things is

a) 'he doesn't really play with anything else' - that's normal for a
child on the spectrum.  Limited interests; repetitive behaviour.  It's
OK to leave him to do that - grounded, happy and secure in the
familiar.  No meltdowns! (A gentle introduction to other things
occasionally without forcing the issue will be helpful in terms of
increasing flexibility in the long term.)

b) developmental delay - if you might be concerned that they are
getting a tad old to be playing in this way, you might want to be
aware that most children with an ASD are a few years behind their
peers in terms of development. So again, normal for a child with an
ASD - and they will 'move on' in time.

c) with regard to Barbara's comment about imaginary tales, these kids
can have real difficulty knowing the difference between what's 'out
there' and what's 'in here' - it's all one continuum.  I am inclined
to, again, think in terms of 'developmental delay'.  In much younger
children, it's a normal part of development to fabricate such tales.
That part of him is a two year old in a 12 year old body.  In a couple
of years time, he's likely to reflect back and become aware in some
way of the inappropriateness - so if you can feed back to him the idea
that they are great creative stories worth committing to paper, he'd
have a little let out for his pride when the time comes. ;-)

On 10/05/07, Phil <pmacken1 at bigpond.net.au> wrote:
> Many of the children I come across who seem to be slightly on the spectrum/
> possibly having Asperger's syndrome, seem to enjoy dressing up and imaginary
> play. It's almost become a standard response when I asked parents what their
> children (who are in the 5-8 year old age group) like to do in there spare
> time. OK I know most kids that age like that sort of thing but they also
> like other things. Just had another one this week where the teacher say the
> boy spends all his time dressing up and playing imaginary games and doesn't
> really play with anything else. Anyone else noted this? Any explanation for
> it - like real life social skills too hard so may as well make up their own
> world?
>
> Ta
>
> Fiona
>
>