di: di Digest, Vol 87, Issue 6

[Christopher Duss]

Dear List,

Regarding my student in the intensive ESL interview preparation program, I
have been having trouble. Again, he is 7 years old and possibly High
Functioning Autism (Asperger's), though I haven't heard there was a formal
diagnosis. He has been breaking down at the slightest hint of error. When
we had lessons in a more relaxed setting I had to be careful about repeated
errors, but now he is agitated even with familiar material. He also says he
is sleepy and lies down for a half hour (which he is doing now) before
continuing. To avoid him getting in a funk that carries through the whole
lesson period, I have been accommodating with any breaks he needs, though
my short reading on the subject says that if it is Asperger's breaks may
only allow him to stew on what is bothering him. I think he is feeling the
pressure of this interview but am also considering that he understands he
can reduce his lesson time by behaving in this way. Do you have ideas on
how to approach this program in light of these behavioral difficulties?
Should I find out any formal diagnosis there has been to better guide my
approach? It is a touchy subject to bring up with parents, and parents of
former students who had learning impediments were more forthcoming with
specific details than these have been.

Thanks for any insight you can offer,
Chris
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