Frustration and the Asperger's Kid

Does your Asperger's kid suddenly become angryor they misinterpreted their thoughts altogether.
and distraught over something small like a missingSo what can parents do to help these kids with
toothbrush? Or a loose board on the porch? Itthese frustrations? If the child is exhibiting
may seem like they over-react to the small thingsthreatening behavior and seems unable to control
that happen, but it is a fact that Asperger'sit, then getting them to work with a professional
children have little emotional control and getis the best approach if they don't already have
frustrated easily. That's where they need yourone. Many times, a counselor can provide
help and the help of others qualified in the area oftechniques or methods for the child to deal with
emotions.their feelings. Also, a counselor can provide a
So how does your child show their frustration? Doparent with valuable insight and tools for helping
they withdraw to someplace they feel safe? Dothe child deal with their feelings. There are also
they yell and cry? Do they throw things and hurtmedications that a doctor can prescribe to help
people? And what do you do when you child getscalm these outbursts and let the child think it
frustrated? Do you take it personally? Or do youthrough.
jump in sooth them when they are on the brinkA child who is obviously frustrated but not
of crying? Do you give them time alone to try toparticularly threatening or violent still needs help
deal with it? Is it best to talk about the issue orand parents can provide that through on the fly
let it go? Parents don't want to spend a lot ofdiscussions. An older child can be reasoned with on
time discussing the case of the missing toothbrushwhat triggered the outburst and how they can
and how the child should have handled it whendeal with it the next time. It's important that
there may be more pressing issues in thethese discussion be held calmly and rationally. If
household to discuss.the child feels accused or threatened themselves,
Children with Asperger's Syndrome have a lowthen they will not be receptive to what the
toleration for frustration. It is understandable thatparents have to say and it may help to have a
the frustration comes from a lack ofcounselor facilitate these type of conversations.
understanding of their own feelings. They areThe bottom line is if your child appears to have a
unable to identify and express what they arelow tolerance for frustration and it is happening
feeling so they lump all the 'bad' feelings together.more frequently, then they need help
The parents see the overflow of 'bad' feelingsunderstanding what it happening to them. This kind
come out at once. It's important that we don'tof help can come from a number of places and
take them personally even when they seem asthe most important player is the parent. Don't
though they are directed at us. Aspergers' kidstake it personally, rather understand they are
want to tell what is on their mind and most ofliterally brimming over with 'bad' emotions and
the time they don't know how to say it properlydon't realize what they are doing.