Neighbor News
The AS Child and the Pursuit of Knowledge
Dr. Clatch writes about the curiosity of the AS child and how parents and educators can support their specific, unique interests.
Children with Asperger’s Syndrome often have a keen desire to learn and seek knowledge. In many instances, this pursuit of knowledge focuses on specific issues or interests. Even though educators may view this narrow focus as detrimental to the child’s development, it can actually be a strength when teaching the child the information and facilitating learning.
Take, for instance, the Asperger’s child with a keen interest in skyscrapers. Educators and parents that understand the child’s focus and need for information will be able to create new lessons and learning opportunities that incorporate the child’s love of the subject. For example, language arts can focus on a fictional story about skyscrapers; mathematics lessons can focus on geometry and building dimensions; and social studies lessons can focus on the history of skyscrapers. Because the topic is one that is of interest to the AS child, learning may be deeper and more meaningful.
---
Questions? Comments? Check out our FaceBook page (don’t forget to “Like” us!) and let us know what you’re thinking:
https://www.facebook.com/CouragetoConnect
And for those of you who tweet, follow us on Twitter @CTC_DrClatch!
