Many Aspies are capable of performing challenging work and can excel in their academic studies. However, they may run into some difficulty when it comes to managing too many projects at one time, having to constantly shift between school subjects and multitasking their other responsibilities. The best middle school for Aspies is one that teaches students at a slower pace, so that students have a steady amount of time to learn the lesson and complete the schoolwork before they are thrown into another topic too quickly. Some middle schools have block periods, which are extended classes longer than the traditional 50-minute class.
A smaller middle school with fewer students is ideal for Aspies. Children with Asperger's develop emotionally and socially at a slower pace than their peers, and it can become difficult for them to keep up with the hustle and bustle of overcrowded middle schools. Middle schools with more intimate class sizes will give Aspies' students the individualized attention they need from teachers, without feeling overwhelmed by the social environment.
Children with Asperger Syndrome can tire more quickly during long, busy days. As such, it can be difficult for an Aspie to stay as attentive during late afternoon classes as he does in morning classes. When considering which middle school is right for your child, look into the daily schedule and see how many breaks are offered throughout the day to give your child a chance to rest and regroup. A middle school that offers numerous breaks may be better suited for Aspies than a school that forces students to work through long chunks of time without stopping.
Many traditional middle schools consist of classroom instruction and learning methods in the form of lectures. While an Aspie is capable of absorbing academic information by way of a lecture, she may do better if she can participate in self-based learning methods through computers. Computers offer an educational and stimulating experience for students with Asperger's, so middle schools that use computerized lessons or activities are best for your child.