ASPERGER’S What is it? Who has it? Noticeable characteristics. How do we deal with it? How does it affect learning/classroom? Your role as a teacher.

What is it? Asperger’s falls under autistic disorder aka Autistic Spectrum Disorder in Europe aka Pervasive Developmental Disorder in USA TRIAD OF IMPAIRMENT SOCIAL IMAGINATION SOCIAL ISOLATION ECCENTRIC BEHAVIOUR

What is it? The most common explanation is the inability to understand social cueing, however, this depends on the severity of Asperger’s. The difficulty in developing fine & gross motor skills. The apparent clumsiness of a child that should otherwise be at a certain level.

Who has it? 1 in 100 children are thought to have Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) AS children grow into AS adults Research suggests more boys than girls develop AS AS becomes noticeable between the ages of 3-5 but may not be officially diagnosed until later

Noticeable Characteristics AS students tend to display certain characteristics which include, but are not limited to: rocking motion, beginning each sentence with a fact that seems meaningless to others, inability to look people in the eyes for a long time, troubled/disfigured finger(nail)s which limits their desire to touch.

How to deal with it? The severity of AS dictates how to deal with it. Patience/tolerance is the #1 source of support. Repetition is extremely helpful. No known cures. Pay attention to AS children as they are bullied nearly 100% of the time (they don’t always recognise that they are being bullied.)

Why an AS child belongs in the class. Every child deserves an education Learning social difficulties can be tools & strategies for the future AS children are not usually violent Clever in math/stats/dates Allows a teacher to learn, accommodate, & adapt

What could I do for the AS child in high school English? Have daily/weekly agenda visible Have student research dates & events (of literary terms) rather than test significance Poetry with structure: Haikus, Tankas Journal reflections on feelings Watch movie version whenever possible Have AS student sit with a quiet/strong student

Short video clips to help kids understand AS kids http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmULw2EkNms&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9eATBV-_lg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caFCfSVDIwQ&feature=related

Resources/Web sites This documentary follows a child’s life with AS & how they cope in daily life.  It also gives Q & A, links to more facts, videos. http://www.cbc.ca/thelens/theboyinside/asperger.html How are we discriminating against AS people in society? http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1008827--immigration-says-son-with-asperger-s-inadmissible-to-canada Provides links to other sites, overall understanding. www.autismspeaks.org OR www.aspergergssociety.com