	Article Directory		Article Submission Service		Article Marketing Blog		Publishers		Member Log In

Article Directory :: Home & Family Articles

My Aspergers Child Gets Frustrated Easily What Should I Do?

By Dave Angel

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 28Apr2011
Word count: 644
Viewed: 570 time(s)

Get Free Content For Your Site

Question

I would like ideas on how to deal with my son's frustrations. He will either dig in his heels and refuse to do what he is supposed to, or he shuts down and we give him some space to get himself together and discuss the problem. Its seems he works himself up over things that are not that big a deal.

Answer

Your Aspergers child will experience many frustrations. People with Aspergers tend to overreact in crowds, confusing situations, sensory stimuli and in situations where they have to do something they don't like. Situations or problems that seem minor to most of us are a "big deal" to those with Aspergers because they don't know how to handle them. Removing your son from a stressful situation and giving him time to calm down is an excellent idea. Then, if he is willing to discuss the problem, you may be able to help him learn how to handle a similar situation. His frustration and stubbornness are due to the anxiety he feels and his inability to handle situations; he can't help those feelings.

The anxiety disorders found in the Aspergers child can be approached in several different ways. The first therapeutic approach is cognitive psychology. This is an approach that focuses on the client's mental processes, such as problem solving, memory, and language. A cognitive psychologist will want to know how your son perceives and solves his problems. This therapy can help your son to change the environment that might trigger his anger and other undesirable behaviors. The psychologist can help your son to identify and implement replacement behaviors that are age-appropriate ways of dealing with anxiety. The psychologist's recommendations could be quite simple, such as lowering lights and sound levels. Or the psychologist will recommend more complicated things and require long term therapy.

Another therapeutic approach to address anxiety disorders in the Aspergers child is the use of medication. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication that will reduce your son's anxiety. This should reduce his frustrations. Anti-depressants such as Zoloft and Prozac have been prescribed to help Aspergers children with anxiety, but these drugs have a multitude of side effects. Carefully consider any medication recommendations. Get all of the information you can about the drug from your doctor.

The most recommended intervention is done by the parents themselves. You can make the life of your Aspergers child more consistent and routine. If he has chores to be done at home, make sure they are done on a certain day at a certain time. You didn't state your son's age, but, assuming that he is in school, he can leave for school at the same time every day. He can be expected to return home at a certain time every day, also. Make sure he has a predictable routine during the school day.

Structure can be built into his life for recreational activities. Time should be set aside on a predictable schedule that will allow your son to know what needs to happen before he can enjoy his video games, or TV, for example. Maybe he has to eat dinner and do chores first. Your Aspergers child is becoming frustrated over things because they seem overwhelming to him. As a parent, you can provide a treatment atmosphere with these home changes, the help of a psychologist and maybe the aide of medication that will reduce his anxiety and make it easier for him to cope in general.

Frustration is an inevitable part of life for a child with Aspergers (and in fact a neurotypical child too), but there are certain approaches that you can take to reduce the challenges, as highlighted above. So please take this information and really use it to help your child with Aspergers.

Dave Angel is a Social Worker and has been helping parents of Children with Aspergers online for over four years. Get your free report 'Secrets to Parenting your Child with Aspergers' Guide at www.parentingaspergers.com/blog

EasyPublish™ this article - publishers click here