DH anxious to do the right thing when teaching guitar a boy with Aspergers Syndrome - any tips

[GColdtimer]

DH is a private guitar teacher. He has recently taken on a pupil with Aspergers. Between us we know nothing about any form of ASD. His parents have said that he is really enjoying his lessons but DH wants to do his absolute best for him, but at the same time wants to be realistic about what to expect from him in terms of progress. So far he has tried to be fairly direct and precise in his instruction and has realised that his "jokes" don't go down to well so has tried to curb them! He has a good relationship with the parents but they have just said that they have no particular expectations and are just pleased that their son is doing something he enjoys.

I understand that you may get back to me and say, "can't help, everyone is different" but I hope you don't mind me asking for any tips/insight into how people with this condition learn and develop.

DS1 has AS / HFA and is learning violoin atm.

There is no reason he shouldn't make good progress. Indeed, my cousin with AS is at university studying music and chemistry right now!

Sounds like your Dh is getting it right- cut the jokes, be straight and literal. A diary with practice sessions amrked in will help him schedule rpactices (AS / ASD kids can be very disorganised) as can keeping to as much of a routine in lessons as possible.

If he has any intersts that can be specifically included (maybe a rock group or sticker rewards based on something such as dinosaurs- ask the parents if he ahs any fixations) then that would also be good.

All the 3 AS children I am close to play string instruments, and seem to get on very well. I suspect the rpecision and posture etc are a good match!

My son has Aspergers and firstly I would say how heartwarming it is to hear of someone being so proactive and caring .

I do think that my reply would be that yes everyone is different! My ds shares a classroom assistant with another boy with AS who is incredibly talented musically and his whole life is classical music, while my son has just started the recorder in school and is getting the hang of it and actually loves it, which is amazing but the noise would have driven him mad years ago.

It does sound like your dh has it 'sussed'. Breaking things down into step by step is the only way my ds can learn. If the boy is happy to come to your dh and the parents are happy - then that is the best indicator that things are as they should be.

The autistic spectrum is so diverse. I am not good at links but for more info on autism/aspergers the National Autistic Society would be a good place to start, or possibly old threads on here.
HTH

DS is learning keyboard and the guy who teaches him fits all the criteria of Aspergers too. they seem to be getting on like a house on fire.

Thanks peachy for the tips and rebi for the suggestions, it does sound like DH is on the right track but I will pass this on. I think he feels that life is going to be tough enough for him and wants to help him get good at something he enjoys.

He does seems happy to come to our house rebi and makes himself at home perusing our CD collection whilst waiting for DH to finish his previous lesson so I hope that is a sign that he feels comfortable in our space.

My brother has aspergers and learnt the guitar at school in the 70s/early 80s before such things were picked up. He turned out to be the best classical guitarist the school had ever seen. Unfortunately, he gave it up shortly after leaving school on the grounds it was "sissy", gave his guitar away and never picked one up again. Basically, it was his lack of self confidence due to social marginalisation that caused him to give it up. So I'd say, your husband shouldn't necessarily limit his expectations just because his pupil has AS.