Asperger's Syndrome & Feedback

Feedback happens at all levels of communication. It occurs non-verbally and verbally. Although caregivers who have children with Asperger's Syndrome or Autism tend to lack providing feedback which hinders their development. When feedback does not occur the neural development that is necessary for social and emotional processing and development does not occur as effectively compared to those children who receive feedback.

Feedback happens when we smile back at another person, clap in wonder, argue, compliment, etc.

Not providing feedback does not cause Asperger's or Autistic symptoms but providing it can help improve neural functioning. Relationship Development Intervention is a program that helps the parent learn how to provide feedback to improve neural functioning.

Why may a caregiver who has a child with Asperger's and Autism not provide feedback? Because they are afraid of a meltdown so would do anything to prevent it, become frustrated that they are getting no results with feedback so give up or not even realise how important it is. Also because communication is bidirectional, when the child looks at another person blankly, then it is common for the other person not respond and become used to this type of interaction where they forget to interact with this child as usually they prefer to be alone in their own little world.

Going through a social skills program will help the caregiver learn new skills to manage their own frustrations and stress and how to provide feedback so they can learn how to encourage new neural processing to occur which will improve the social skills of their child with Asperger's or Autism. Remember that these skills can also be taught to an adult as it is never too late to learn something new.

Challenge creates change. And even though the challenge may feel uncomfortable to the person with Asperger's or Autism, it will eventually create the change they want and deserve.

Experiment with your ability to provide feedback and keep improving on what works