• I may overreact for no apparent reason, but usually I have a reason -- I just can't say yet.

• Just because I was able to control myself for several days does not mean I can today.

• I don't misbehave on purpose, and I am not trying to defy or annoy you.

• Don't expect me to be smart in every subject just because I have a great vocabulary.

• Please don't tell me to "work it out" with my classmates. I have no idea how to do that.

• I love to talk and do not know when to stop. Gently remind me to "hold that thought."

• I am at my best when every day goes predictably. Please try to have a routine in class.

• Please warn me in advance of upcoming changes since I do not cope well with change.

• Keep a close eye on me in group activities because I do not do well in groups.

• I am at risk for trouble when I have unstructured time. Please help me find things to do.

• I learn and understand best with visual materials. I like charts, pictures and schedules.

• I have to be told in each setting how to behave even if it is similar to other settings.

• I like to be asked or suggested rather than rigidly forced to do something.

• Please give me a place to go to if I feel like I am getting out of control.

• I respond best to calm and patient authority figures.

• I can complete things best if you tell me only one step at a time.

• When I talk about the same thing over and over, please gently suggest I talk about it later.

• I am overly sensitive to criticism and will overreact to being told I am wrong.

• I will stop my misbehaviour more if you redirect me instead of criticizing me.

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Excerpted from The Asperger's Answer Book: The Top 300 Questions Parents Ask by Susan Ashley, Ph.D. Copyright 2007 by Susan Ashley. Excerpted with permission by Sourcebooks. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced without permission in writing from the publisher.

• I am at risk for trouble with transitions and will do better if you help me create a routine.

• I can follow directions better if you tell me one at a time.

• I understand explanations and instructions better when they are short and simple.

• Sounds, lights, smells, textures and touch may upset me greatly, and I have to get away.

• I am not good at games or ball, and I may refuse to play because I am embarrassed.

• I do my best when the setting is quiet, calm, and not too stimulating.

• I respond well to visual cues (e.g., pointing to your ear for me to listen).

• I am slow to respond if you ask me a question so please give me time to answer.

• My brain does not work well if I am interrupted. I usually insist on starting all over again.

• Please do not insist that I look you in the eye. I am very uncomfortable with eye contact.

• When I lose control over my anger, please send me to my quiet place to calm down.

• I just can't ignore the teasing, so please help me find nice children to play with.

• I don't understand jokes or sarcasm so you might have to explain them to me.

• I follow instructions better when they are repeated several times.

• Even though nothing anyone does can cure me, I need your support every day all year long.

Page 2 of 2

Excerpted from The Asperger's Answer Book: The Top 300 Questions Parents Ask by Susan Ashley, Ph.D. Copyright 2007 by Susan Ashley. Excerpted with permission by Sourcebooks. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced without permission in writing from the publisher.