Children with Autism, Aspergers and Choice.

It's not often when it comes to children with autism spectrum disorders do we think about giving them lots of choices.  While this is true that to many choices can be overwhelming for many children with autism or Asperger's, so choices can be good to help them succeed in life.
Let me explain, of course your going to give your child with autism the choice of what snack they want.  Maybe what shirt they want to wear.  Chances are with each of these choices you are placing limits though.  When you ask them what they want for a snack, you don't mean go pour through the pantry and decide.  You mean between a pudding cup, a banana, and crackers.  When you ask them what shirt they want to wear you mean which of these two, and so on.  Putting limits on these choices helps the child with autism to not get overwhelmed in the decision making process.  This decision making process aids in their cognitive development while not over stimulating them and causing agitation and over stimulation.  Its a win-win when limits are placed on choice.
I have a tip I would like to share with you that can work with some children with autism, or Asperger's, or any child on the planet for that matter.  It is a tip I picked up in my behavioral training along the way somewhere.  If your child with ASD can handle minor variations in their schedule. You may start giving them this choice when it come time to end preferred activity time.  Simply tell them its time to move on to the next activity, but since they have been so good, they can choose to stop now or in five minutes.  Strikingly many times I have observed the children make the decision to stop right then, contrary to what I expected.  If they choose five minutes say "OK" then set a timer.  Remind them that they gave you their word and that good boys and girls keep their word then disappear til the timer runs out.  You would not believe how well this works for all children.  Obviously if your child with autism is dependent on strict routine then this will not work for you.  This choice will empower your child to make the right decision.  When you praise them after they keep their word, it builds intrinsic value as to why they should keep their word.  It is just a positive experience all the way around.
Once again just ideas to try.