‘WHEN YOU’VE SEEN ONE STUDENT WITH ASPERGER’S…….’ Student Affairs Summer Academy July 22, 2008 Cathy Patus, Disability Resource Center

WHAT IS ASPERGER’S SYNDROME? A neurological disorder included in the spectrum of autism disorders As many as 1 in 150 individuals have an Autism Spectrum Disorder As many as 1 in 250 have Asperger’s The individual is typically verbal with normal or above normal IQ No known cause – will last lifetime

“TRIAD OF DEFICITS” Communication Socialization Focus on specific topic or interest/other topics may be viewed as irrelevant

COMMUNICATION May display impairments in both expressive and receptive communication May possess extensive vocabulary yet lack affect when speaking or use odd words and phrases Linear thinking – difficulty with abstract thought Literal interpretation makes idiomatic phrases difficult to understand Subtle nuances of language – forget about it!

SOCIALIZATION Socialization difficulties may be the distinguishing trademark Inability to understand or respond to others thoughts and feelings Change of routine may cause difficulty

FOCUS ON SPECIFIC TOPIC OF INTEREST Lack of ability to plan, organize, change routines Rigid, inflexible, unwilling to change topics Preoccupation with specific topic can be a hindrance but can also be a strength

SENSORY INTEGRATION DYSFUNCTION Sensory distortions – the senses fail to provide accurate data Student may be overly stimulated by lights, music, noise Helps to explain tendency to remain with routines and familiar surroundings

TRANSITION FROM HIGH SCHOOL TO COLLEGE Student with AS may have IQ of 150 or above Admission to college is rarely the problem! Routine and structure of high school is replaced by the chaos of college life Parental support now minimal

CLASSROOM CONSIDERATIONS Correcting professors Helium hands Difficulty with group work Low tolerance for what is perceived as irrelevant Missing deadlines due to poor organizational skills

LIVING ON CAMPUS Forced interactions with others No comfort zone – no place to retreat Bathroom routines may be impossible due to community living Private room or bathroom?? Furniture arrangement is important

DISCIPLINE ISSUES Classroom disruptions Stalking Roommate problems

ACADEMIC ADVISING/CAREER EXPLORATION Capiltalize on linear thinking when choosing a major Avoid social or human services’ careers Explore career fields that require high tolerance for tasks that most of us consider mundane and boring!

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT Include family members whenever possible The student with AS needs them and so do we! Learn to love that hovering sound

STRATEGIES Brainstorming on specific strategies that could be employed in our specific areas within Student Affairs or the University in general

IN CONCLUSION When you’ve seen one student with Asperger’s Syndrome, you’ve seen one student with Asperger’s Syndrome “I know of nobody who is purely autistic or purely neurotypical. Even God has some autistic moments, which is why the planets all spin.” (Jerry Newport)

REFERENCES Available on request! me at