Meltdowns in Students with Asperger Syndrome

Basic Strategies for Teachers to Prevent Emotional Outbursts

Nov 19, 2008

Kids diagnosed with AS need support from teachers when they struggle with behavior issues in school. Here are many helpful strategies that every teacher should know.

Asperger Syndrome is a form of high-functioning autism and can co-exist with other disorders such as ADHD, depression, and anxiety. But mostly, AS affects a child’s ability to socialize. AS kids have difficulty recognizing facial expressions, sarcasm, and teasing, and struggle to adapt to unexpected changes in routine. Their interests tend to be very narrow, and this can limit their capacity to relate to others.

Due to these struggles, children with AS oftentimes experience anger, fear, sadness, and frustration. There are several effective interventions that can be employed in the classroom to help improve an AS child’s learning experience. These can assist the student in feeling more comfortable and decrease anxiety, paving the way for academic achievement.

Make Classroom Rules Clear

Students with Asperger’s thrive on rules, but will often ignore them when they are vague or not meaningful. Teachers should detail the most important classroom rules and why they exist. A written list prominently displayed, or a handout of the classroom rules can be very helpful.

Minimize Surprises in the Classroom

Kids on the autism spectrum need structured settings to succeed. They do not like surprises. Things like sudden seating changes or unexpected modifications to the routine could cause anxiety and even meltdowns. Teachers should try to provide ample warnings if there is to be a change of plans. For instance, sending a note home to the parents if a seating change is imminent would be beneficial.

A back up plan can be presented to the class in anticipation of schedule changes. When the Friday schedule that usually includes watching an educational film in the afternoon changes if time is short, the teacher should inform the students ahead of time that they will work on free reading or journaling instead, as an example.

Provide Sensory Support

Many children with Asperger Syndrome also experience sensory processing issues. Sensitivity to light, sound, touch, taste, and smells can irritate the child, making him more likely to act out or withdraw. Consult the parents to determine what these sensitivities are. Minimizing classroom chaos, noise, and clutter will be a good start.

If possible, get help from an occupational therapist and try to work sensory breaks into the child’s school day. Chores such as returning a load of books to the library or even doing a few jumping jacks in the hallway can go a long way in helping the child realign and get back to learning.

Promote Supportive Friendships

If it seems appropriate, educate the class about Asperger Syndrome. Develop empathy by making students aware of inappropriate words and bullying behaviors. Highlight the child’s strengths in classroom lessons to enable him to find friends with common interests.

If the student with Asperger’s seems to be struggling with friendships, group him during classroom activities with those that are more kind and empathetic. At recess or lunch, try assigning a classroom buddy who will be supportive and guide the child through those more chaotic times.

Make a Plan for Emotional Outbursts

Provide a quiet place for the student who has frequent meltdowns. This may be a trip to the bathroom with a classroom aide, or a visit to the school counselor. A written plan for coping in these periods of high stress is critical for an AS student’s success.

Helping children with Asperger Syndrome in the classroom is yet another challenge for today’s overburdened teachers. However, with insightful monitoring, parental and professional guidance, and creative strategies, a love of school and learning can be fostered in children with AS.

Cooley, Myles L. Teaching Kids with Mental Health & Learning Disorders in the Regular Classroom. MN: Free Spirit Publishing Inc., 2007.

Myles, Brenda Smith and Southwick, Jack. Asperger Syndrome and Difficult Moments. KS: Autism Asperger Publishing Company, 2005.

The copyright of the article Meltdowns in Students with Asperger Syndrome in Autistic Students is owned by Karen Plumley. Permission to republish Meltdowns in Students with Asperger Syndrome in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.