Aspergers and Middle School
Middle school is generally a time of social growth and peer interaction, with the beginnings of school dances and dating, but it can be a very troublesome period for even the most well adjusted student. Children who have Asperger's syndrome (AS) may experience more difficulties than typical kids when transitioning to middle school. Since teenagers with AS have social skill deficits, they may fall short of this developmental milestone in their lives. This can leave the teen with Aspergers feeling isolated and alone. Parents and teachers can make special accommodations and offer support to help the teen wish AS transition to middle school as smoothly as possible.
The adolescent years can be difficult for children with Aspergers, and middle school can be particularly challenging. Many adolescents have difficulty with socialization during the preteen and teen years, but for those diagnosed with AS, these issues are often magnified. While in elementary school, students usually had a predictable routine, with many of them staying in one classroom throughout the day except for physical education, art and music. Because children with autism usually thrive on routine, the elementary school years may go quite smoothly.