Utalizing video games to increase socialization

 Before I discuss this trick let me say that I endorse parents to set limits for their kids on video games, so they can do other things.

Having been a big video gamer in the past I know how much a kid can love video games.  I can imagine for many kids it's one of the few things that it is easy to get a kid to do. THAT IS WHY I SUGGEST UTALIZING VIDEO GAMES TO HELP A KID MAKE CONNECTIONS WITH OTHERS.  What do I mean by this you may ask?  There is a type of game where you can play against other people (multiplayer).  They should not just be playing

If you set a limit for your kid in playing video games, give them a little more time if they are playing with someone else.  Usually you will have to communicate with someone when you play with them (and at least they will need to maintain a relationship with someone that they will be willing to play with them).

With video games you always need to know the ESRB ratings (which tell what is in a video game).

Two sets of games that just came out that I know are popular and are multiplayer are Super Smash Bros (E10 (everyone above 10) and Pokemon Omega Ruby, and Omega Saphire (rated E).

Bringing it to them: an effective way to expand a child's horizon

When I was young I remember being a part of a soccer (futball) team and in cub scouts.  I'm pretty sure that I got in there because my parents got me in there (how many 5 year olds say I want to join this club or group).  They were great oppurtunities for me to learn social skills (immersion).

With almost all of the people I worked with they could easily do almost nothing (and I am not talking about just spending so many hours on facebook (I litteraly mean doing nothing)).

THE MORAL OF THE STORY: BE PROACTIVE WITH YOUR ASPERGERS KID.  Sometimes if you bring an experience or something to them then they will like it.  They may not, but you will more likely get your child doing something.  ALWAYS CONSIDER THEIR INTREST WHEN DOING THIS, AND DON'T FORCE!

What does this include?
Groups/clubs
religous institution (a great place to at least help your child create a network)
books
board games (more on that soon)
Taking the initive to go somewhere the child would like
etc.

Immersion the best way to help someone with aspergers social skills

A while ago I wrote that for someone with aspergers learning social skills is like learning a forigen language.

Being someone who can have a conversation (at least a basic conversation) in several language I know a little about learning a forigen language.

Like learning a forigen language there are several ways to go about it:

1.You can go to someone who teaches bit by bit how to master the forigen language

2.You can help the person be in an enviorment that they can be constantly exposed to the forigen language.

The way you immerse someone with aspergers is you find something they really like, and find a way to get them involved with other people around that.

Example a kid who loves video games you make a rule that he can get multi player games, and he gets to play more video games if there are other people he is playing with (assuming you restrict video game time (which can be a healthy option).  What kid would just sit around letting others beat him at his favorite video game (he'll try to look at what other kids are doing, and at least you are getting him to look at interacting with other kids.)