the morning, eating a certain food, and other everyday situations that you don't often think about. Noises can be debilitating as well. Imagine walking into a crowded elementary auditorium and not being able to literally stand the noise that was reverberating around you. Some children have this problem to the point that they have to wear earplugs in order to take part in certain school functions. These are the kind of issues that will be addressed in the child's IEP (Individualized Educational Program) at the start of the school year. If you find new concerns, be sure to communicate them to the parents and special education teacher.

These aspects of a child with Asperger's can seem challenging, but can be navigated with the help of professionals in your school. Get to know your occupational therapist and speech language pathologist, as these two individuals will have a mountain of experience dealing with autism. Also, if you are lucky enough, your district might even have an autism consultant that can come into your classroom and observe, offering guidance to help you with difficult problems. There are also wonderful organizations such as Judevine that work closely with the families and also offer training. And last but not least, don't forget about your school's special education staff. These people have a huge amount of training and practical advice that can keep you from losing your sanity when you can't solve a problem. Seek them out and ask questions, especially if the teacher works closely with your student. Working closely with the special education teacher is a must to ensure consistency, security, and a positive educational experience for the child.

The other and most valuable resource that you can go to is the child's parents. Many teachers fear the parents as being difficult, distant, or not willing to help, but this is really not the case. The parents have a child with special needs that they love and only want the best for, and will be open if given the chance. Parents are a gold mine of information, insight, and knowledge about the student. Who could know the child better? Talk with them about the child's interests, aversions, and any tips they might have in dealing with issues. You will be surprised at the warm reception you will get when you open up a communication channel with them. Also, talk with the child and learn from him or her as well.

Keeping focused on the child, using available resources, and asking endless questions will help you to be a great teacher for your student who has Asperger's Syndrome. Below are some great resources that you can use and can also lead you to many others. Check out your local library, access the resources at your local university, and you are assured to find what you are looking for.

http://www.maapservices.org/ This site is run by a non-profit organization and has numerous links to information on autism and related issues.

http://www.aspergers.com/ Here is wonderful site full of information specific to asperger's, and is posted by a physician and will be a great asset to check out.

http://www.autism-society.org/ site/PageServer?pagename=life_ aspergers The Autism Society of America is a fantastic society that promotes autism awareness and offers numerous information on their website.

www.judevine.org This organization works in home with families who have children with autism, are full of endless resources and provide training. Check out their website.

http://www.autism.com/ The Research Institute for Autism in another wonderful resource.

www.thegraycenter.org A vast resource on making and using social stories. This is put out by Carol Gray, the woman who originally invented the concept.

Learn more about this author, Erin Steeley.
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