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Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners
How can help my child with Asperger's syndrome going through VCE?
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My teenage child who has Asperger's syndrome keeps skipping VCE Year 12's classes and ends up with high percentage of absence. I would like him to continue his education to University. I am under the pressure from school to see the Career's counsellor to direct him into another options. I did not inform the school that he has been diagnosed with this condition and did not let him know because I am concerned that he will be labelled and be treated differently by his peers. I believed LABELLING a person will lead to a devastating impact on a person's live.
Could you please offer some advices. -
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Christina Potter
Psychologist
Servicing Children, Adolescents, Families and Adults About Christy Potter Christy is a Psychologist, registered with the Psychology Board of Australia and a Member of the … View Profile
I understand your fears about labelling your son. However, he has a legitimate developmental condition that requires a degree of assistance and special consideration. He is almost finished high school - the hardest feat for many Aspie teens is getting through. However, AS means that he will need some support to deal with the stress and the different learning expectations and conditions that the VCE brings. For example: Has he ever sat in a large room with his peers doing an exam? Many young people with Aspergers find the situation daunting because the environment is different to what they are used to, they find it hard to write by hand or they get easily distracted by the noise outside the room. Some need special consideration allowances such as a writer or sitting the exam in a smaller room. You would be doing your son a favour to tell the school about his diagnosis and explain to them how Aspergers affects his life. He may need to complete his studies part time or by distance education. He may also need some psychological support to deal with the stress. If his Aspergers is severe he could access a post-school options program that can help him transition into the work force or higher education. He will be eligible for learning support funding to get him through his exams. The label does not need to define him, but it can help to understand him and if need be help him get access to support services that he will need to teach him independence and social/emotional skills. Good Luck.
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