Asperger’s Syndrome EDTE Presented By: Emily S., Kasey C., Michael P., & Stephanie H

What do YOU think Asperger’s Syndrome is?

Classifying Asperger’s Intellectual Disability Hearing Impairment Orthopedic Impairment Autism Specific Learning Disability Speech/Language Impairment Multiple Disabilities Other Health Impaired Deaf/Hard of Hearing Visual Impairment Deaf-Blindness Traumatic Brain Injury Emotional Disturbance Established Medical Disability (birth-5)

What is Asperger Syndrome? Hans Asperger in 1944 Observed children that lacked nonverbal communication skills “Autistic psychopathy” Personality disorder marked by social isolation Lorna Wing named it Asperger Syndrome in 1981

What is Asperger Syndrome(AS)? Part of the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) Considered mildest form of ASD “high-functioning autism” (HFA) Neurodevelopment disorder Characterized by social impairment, communication difficulties, and restrictive, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior Not usually diagnosed or recognized until ages 5-6

What is Asperger Syndrome? Social communication deficits Lack of normal back and forth conversations Lack of typical eye contact, body language, and facial expressions Trouble maintaining relationships Behavior patterns Repetitive use of objects of phrases Stereotyped movements Excessive attachment to routines, objects, or interests

How is AS Diagnosed? Two-stage process 1 st : developmental screening during a check-up 2 nd : comprehensive (neurologic and genetic assessment) team evaluation (this team includes a psychologist, neurologist, psychiatrist, speech therapist, and professionals with Estimations say that 1 in 88 children at age 8 will have an ASD

AS In the Classroom Bashe and Kirby report, "if asked to design an environment specifically geared to stress a person with ASPERGERS, you would probably come up with something that looked a lot like a school. You would want an overwhelming number of peers; periods of tightly structured time alternating with periods lacking any structure; regular helpings of irritating noise from bells, schoolmates, band practice, alarms, and crowded, cavernous spaces; countless distractions; a dozen or so daily transitions with a few surprises thrown in now and then; and finally, the piece de resistance: regularly scheduled tours into what can only be described as socialization hell (a.k.a. recess, lunch, gym, and the bus ride to and from school). It's a wonder that so many kids with ASPERGERS manage to do so well." (p. 365). Bashe, P. & Kirby, B. (2001). The OASIS Guide to Asperger Syndrome. New York, New York: Crown Publishers.

Goal: Reduce Stress Find another activity other than group work (or allow to work alone) Earplugs or headphones with music Minimize transitions and prepare student for transitions Don’t joke with student or use ambiguous language Separate room for examination Extra time on work and tests Allow student to leave early for the next class

Goal: Help Them Succeed Clearly communicate expectations How detailed/long assignment should be Verbally give all the steps necessary to complete an assignment Ask them to give specific examples or answer specific questions (have inability to generalize) Try to incorporate the specific interests of the student Prompting to move on to next question Using word-processor for writing

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Experiences Personal (family/friends) Our students What have been your personal experiences with AS?

Wrap-Up Commonly over-diagnosed (OCD) Often accompanied by an excess of talent/knowledge in one area Trouble with social situations Improvements seen when students allowed to be safe but included in the class Can succeed at high level with support and encouragement Exposure to social situations now will help them become more comfortable and lessen fear of them in the future

References Asperger Syndrome Fact Sheet: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). (n.d.). National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Retrieved December 1, 2012, from htm Asperger's Syndrome Documentary. (2007, May 13). YouTube. Retrieved December 1, 2012, from Asperger’s Kids in the Classroom: Tips for Teachers. (n.d.). My Aspergers Child. Retrieved December 1, 2012, from in-classroom-tips-for.html Classroom Strategies for Aspergers Students. (n.d.). My Aspergers Child. Retrieved December 1, 2012, from for-aspergers.html