The List

So what are we working on? Here is the list of things that ds needs to work on:

(I got the list from Asperger-Advice.com)

Poor communication such as:

Speech and language peculiarities: Yes

Overformal speech: N/A

Taking everything literally: not all of the time

Word repetition (echolalia): at times it may be a song/line from a movie/show

Long monologues: N/A

Inappropriate remarks: what 8 y/o doesn't

Inability to take turns talking: sometimes

Inability to listen to others: sometimes

Speaking without any pitch or tone: N/A

Unable to recognize figure of speech or sarcasm: somtimes

Difficulty initiating conversation: N/A

Flat, cheerless demeanor: N/A

Loud voice: only when he is REALLY excited

Doesn’t respond to name very well: N/A


Non-verbal communication problems such as:

Inability to pick up facial expressions: N/A

Not able to notice body language: this one may be a little difficult

Does not pick up subtle changes in someone tone of voice: N/A

Avoid eye contact while communicating: rarely; this has significantly improved.

Unaware of personal space ( invading it!): most of the times

Few facial expressions: N/A

Unaware of unwritten rules: sometimes

Impaired social interaction such as:

Social withdrawal: rarely

Lack of interest in other people: N/A

Eccentric personality: what 8 y/o doesn't seem eccentric

Preoccupied with their own agenda: sometimes. It interferes with transitions

Socially non-adapted personality: I'm not sure about that

Urge to correct people in their speech or behavior: Witness this first hand in the classroom and home

Limited interests: N/A

Unusual preoccupations: N/A

Need for sameness: N/A

Repetitive routines or rituals: N/A

Engages in highly repetitive play: Yes and combines with his stimming

Excellent rote memory: only with things that he is interested in.

Lack of empathy: N/A

Single-mindedness: N/A

Aloof: N/A

Inflexible thinking: Only in transitions

Lack of imagination: Far from it

Indifferent: N/A

Rigid thinking: sometimes

Lack of make-believe or imitative play: Far from it

Fear of changes: age appropriate


Poor motor skills such as:

Poor coordination: YES

Clumsiness: YES

Uncoordinated motor movements: YES

Hand flapping: N/A

Head swiveling: N/A

Mirroring: Yes. From shows/movies/book on tape

Stilted Doesn’t have a strong response to pain: N/A

Extreme dislike of certain noises, textures or situations: Only when he is frustrated with the situation

Easily over stimulated by sounds, crowds or lights: Only when he is frustrated with the situation

This is our starting point.