Working with Students with Asperger’s Syndrome

 A developmental disorder  Part of the autism spectrum disorders  Communication and socialization  Impact on learning  Often called “high functioning autism”  “Normal” intellectual function

 Occurs more often in males than in females  Generally identified during early childhood- over 3 years of age  Motor milestones are delayed  Clumsy in walking and movement  Difficulty using fine finger movements  Prefers to interact with older or younger individuals  Often loner in social situations

 Inability to recognize body language  Difficulty starting and maintaining a conversation  Voice lacks tone, pitch and accent  Often engage in one-sided conversations  Communication focus on one or two topics of interest  Internal thoughts are often verbalized  Lacks perspective-taking  Difficulty understanding sarcasm or humor

 Inability to understanding and interpret rules  Difficulty taking turns  Lacks empathy  Interests limited  Doesn’t impact learning potential- average to above average intellect  Often co-morbidity factors ADHD, Anxiety disorder,Depression, especially in adolescents, nonverbal learning disorder, Obsessive- compulsive disorder (OCD), and Social anxiety disorder

 Student may try to monopolize conversation  Will have difficulty working on group projects  May be insensitive or oblivious to other people’s points of view  Motor weakness that can affect hand and finger strength  Sleep disorders often causes drowsiness  Medication side effects  Inflexibility with schedule changes

 Very interested in technology  High interest in math and engineering  Detail orientated  Average to above average intelligence  Focus often isolated to one area of expertise  Excel in computer programming and science  Focus is on part to a whole, can identify weaknesses in an area  Average to excellent memorization skills

 Aripiprazole (Abilify ). This drug may be effective for treating irritability related to Asperger's syndrome. Side effects may include weight gain and an increase in blood sugar levels.  Guanfacine (Intuniv). This medication may be helpful for the problems of hyperactivity and inattention in children with Asperger's syndrome. Side effects may include drowsiness, irritability, headache, constipation and bedwetting.  Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Drugs such as fluvoxamine (Luvox) may be used to treat depression or to help control repetitive behaviors. Possible side effects include restlessness and agitation.  Risperidone (Risperdal). This medication may be prescribed for agitation and irritability. It may cause trouble sleeping, a runny nose and an increased appetite. This drug has also been associated with an increase in cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

 Note-taker if problem with hand and finger strength  Tape record lectures  Minimize group work if possible  Scribe for exams, if needed for essays  Dragon naturally speaking for exams  No Scantron  Allow to step out of class for brief periods

 Adolescence and acceptance/ pain of isolation  Depression and medications  Suicide rate higher than average  Co-existing conditions  Medications and alcohol/ recreational drugs

 Wolfgang Amadeus MozartIsaac Newton  Albert EinsteinHans Christian Anderson  Marie CurieMichelangelo  Thomas Jefferson George Orwell  Bill GatesBeethoven  Alfred HitchcockThomas Edison  All had symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome