Mental Health Asperger’s Syndrome in the classroom

Types of Mental health conditions Autism Anxiety Depression ADHD Schizophrenia Down syndrome

What is Aspersers'? ‘ Asperger’s Syndrome is a pervasive developmental disorder that falls within the autistic spectrum of disabilities. It is a neurological condition that primarily creates challenges in understanding social interactions.’ Stillman, 2010, page 6

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Symptoms of Aspersers' ‘1. Impairment in the use of nonverbal behaviors (such as eye contact, facial expressions, and gestures) during social interaction. 2. Lack of development of relationships with peers. 3. Failure to seek to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people. 4. Failure to reciprocate emotions or social gestures.’ Stillman, 2010, page 4

Symptoms of Aspersers' 1. encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus. 2. apparently inflexible adherence to specific, non-functional routines or rituals. 3. stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g., hand or finger flapping, or twisting, or complex whole-body movements). 4. persistent preoccupation with parts of objects.

Rights for Asperger's Equal Opportunity Act 2010 Disability Discrimination Act % of children diagnosed with ASD need council or disability support 51% require special tuition 24% do not receive any additional support Almost half of people diagnosed with ASD are diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. To qualify for support a child needs to take an IQ test and score below 70

Issues that teachers are likely to observe in the classroom Problems with social interactions Focused areas of interest Need for a routine Language problems Anxiety and depression Problems with attention and organization Problems with motor issues including written production Display rigid behaviour

Teaching children with Asperger’s Its important to acknowledge that children with Asperger’s are often very intelligent Teachers need to provide opportunities for children to identify and build on their strengths Adapt lessons so the curriculum is accessible for all children Recognise and utilise the child’s strengths It’s important to make a connection

Teaching children with Asperger’s Don’t take it personally Experiment Recalibrate your growth ruler Be encouraging and understanding Educate yourself Be a detective

Resolving issues that arise (Michelle) Getting the best out of your student

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References Broomfield, R. (2011). Embracing Asperger’s: A primer for parents and professionals. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers Ltd. Silverman, S. & Weinfeld, R. (2007). School success for kids with Asperger’s syndrome: a practical guide for parents and teachers. Naperville: Prufrock press. Stillman, W. (2010). The everything parents guide to children with Aspergers syndrome. 2 nd ed. USA: Adams Media. Stillman, W. (2010). When your child has Aspergers. USA: Adams Media. Picture of puzzle fromhttp:// developmental-disordernot.html