Teenager with Aspergers

reeta

I have a fantastic 15 yr. old nephew who has Aspergers. While he is "mild" my sister is extremely worried about his addiction to playing computer games. He spends ALL day (and night if he was allowed) playing his x box. He has no friends at all so this is his only outlay. He is usually a quiet and affectionate guy but even lately he has started to use very bad language when playing his games. His social skills have also decreased to the point he rarely leaves his bedroom particularly if they have visitors in their house. From today onwards my sister is turning off the internet at 11pm each night and trying to get him involved in more outdoor or family activities and while she will contact the relevant professionals on monday for expert advice I am wondering if there are any parents out there who have been through this and come out the other side. They live in the Drogheda area and would love to meet parents of a similar position to meet up with or just for a chat. My nephew is such a lovely guy and we all just want to help him reach his full potential.

Morag

Set limits on the ammount of time he spends playing video games.
If he starts roaring abuse when playing online then he has to quit the game.
Make sure he has chores to do around the house.
Try and find projects that he's itertested and get him reading and researching them.

It can be tough going but you have to keep re enforcing the rules and insisting he
use his social skills. I've a teen who has ASD who is about the same age but he can
conduct himself well enough at large family gatherings. I know teens can become even more self focused and not want to interact but you have to push them.

I know there is a support group in Balbriggian
http://www.aspireireland.ie/support.htm

Morag

This might be helpful.

http://www.myaspergerschild.com/2012/07/the-nervous-aspie.html

skooterblue2

Your Nephew has the most amazing Auntie!!

Agree with most of the points above. Playing games all night and day will burn him out at both ends. I suggest a carrot and stick approach.......
Set up some activity for him possibly 2-3 hours a week and in return when he gets enough points he can cash it in for a treat.
The stick approach? If he misbehaves...... he loses points or privillage.

Also the people at the National Learning Network are amazing.!!

Sleepy

Could CoderDojo be a good outlet for him or is he too old? It could help him to socialise whilst not getting too far outside of his comfort zone of computing?

January

Thread is three years old, please do not bump three year old threads.