O’Toole’s book is a great way to give teenagers the tools to rules that they can follow because, as O’Toole puts it, “Rules aren’t about telling us what NOT to do, as much as they tell us what we SHOULD do. They prevent chaos and confusion and stress. They create calm when the world feels messy and unpredictable. Rules, you might say, can be an Aspie’s best friend.” If your child is too young to read on his own, therapists and specialists can help provide him with the tools to live in a calm and less stressful way.
If you aren’t sure if your child has Asperger Syndrome, the first step towards diagnosis is an assessment along with a developmental history and observation. Once the diagnosis has been established by a professional, different forms of treatment are available. As with most disorders that manifest themselves in childhood, studies show that Asperger Syndrome is best managed when diagnosed and treated early.