Studies conducted on childhood development and education concludes that children benefit tremendously from early learning programs. Waiting until your children are school age before educating them soon proves a lost opportunity. While early learning aids typical children, they are especially important for those children with Asperger’s Syndrome. The advantages these children gain from early learning often makes the difference in their future success.Here are five Reasons the Asperger’s child benefits from early learning programs.
Develops their social skills
One of the key distinctions between a typical child and one with Asperger’s is the latter struggles with social skills. The Asperger’s child must learn social skills that come naturally for the typical child. Social cues and etiquette do not come through observation but through teaching and modeling. Early learning programs offer plenty of opportunities to interact with other children, which help with social etiquette. Teachers provide a framework for appropriate behavior through instruction and by modeling. If the child with Asperger’s learns these behaviors before formal education starts, it can eliminate many potentially hurtful and embarrassing problems later on down the road.
Encourages imaginative play
Although there is a debate about whether Asperger’s children lack imagination altogether, we do know they do not participate in imaginative play the same as typical children do. According to Autism Speaks, these children often are imaginative within their minds but do not express it outwardly. Early learning centers promote using your imagination to create, construct, and play. Children benefit from imaginative play because it encourages them to put action to their daydreams.
Helps with motor skills
According to the Autism Society, “children with Asperger’s Disorder frequently have motor skill delays and may appear clumsy or awkward.”Others struggle with the fine motor skills, which are necessary for writing. Early learning centers allow these children to refine their motor skills. Through group play and simple gym games, children gain practice in a friendly, non-competitive atmosphere. This builds their confidence. Arts and crafts, coloring, and drawing help sharpen fine motor skills.
Desensitization to sensory overload
Children with Asperger’s often have Sensory Processing Disorder. This means that they do not process things perceived through the senses the same as a typical child. Sights, sounds, smells, and so on can overwhelm the child. This is why they often have negative reactions to loud clanging bells, bright lights, or firm hugs. Being in an early learning environment gradually exposes the child to many sensory experiences. Over time, this may help desensitize the child before entering formal school.
Prepares them for changes
Another difficulty children with Asperger’s have is dealing with changes. They like to keep things the same and can be rigid about their routine. Teachers in early learning programs often use picture charts and schedules to show what to expect next. When a change is going to occur in the schedule, the children will see it or hear about it in advance. This prepares them for changes to routines but it does so in an expected manner. This may help ease the child into changes to his or her routine with minimal problems.
Although Asperger’s children face social and academic challenges, early intervention makes the journey smoother for both the child and family. Enrolling in an early learning program gives children a boost in life.
