Asperger and obsessive fascination- telephone

Hello, 

I am a parents of boy ( 5 years old). He has Asperger syndrome. His obsessive fascination is telephones and computers. 

We as a parents have big problem- we  try not to use computers and telephones when he is close....but You know....there are everywhere...everyone has got and use them....in the cinema, in the shop, on the street. Our son is very excited when he see them...he can run to strangers to talk about it.

We don't know what to do...Do You think that we should allow him to use telephone or computer in home? Is it good to insulate him and not to talk about them?

Please help.

 

  • Hi,

    My son is also 5 (undiagnosed as yet Aspergers) he likes batteries, lightbulbs, torches and taking things apart. He often has batteries in the backpack he wears for proprioception feedback at school and will do his spelling tests by writing labels for batteries. In his own words he is 'obsessed' with batteries, he will also go up to strangers and show or talk to them about them. We use his interest as a tool, they are his pathway to communication and solace in a utterly confusing world. For your son you can use his interest the same way, allow time on the telephone or computer as a reward or if he is heading towards a meltdown use them as a way of calming down.  Consider this a telephone or a computer does not question what he does or further complicate his world they are a constant offering the comfort he requires, this is not a bad thing it is his 'quirk' and as the other poster says it may lead to a career.

    I understand the going up to strangers and engaging them, this you can help by writing a social story to help him appreciate not everyone is interested in his quirks. Also a book called 'Why do I have to?' by Laurie Leventhal-Belfer really helps. Remember this isn't necessarily a bad thing try and find a toy version he can carry with him to distract him from others.

  • I would say allow it within reason and with considerable monitoring. Who knows, he might be able to use that interest as a career one day?