1. Christopher Johnston Asperger’s Syndrome

2. Definition Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) is a developmental disability that is defined by impairments in social relationships, verbal and nonverbal communication, and by restrictive, repetitive patterns of behaviors, interests, and activities.

3. Background  Identified in 1944 by Hans Asperger. (Austria)  Brought to the attention of the English-speaking world in 1980 by Dr. Lorna Wing.  Was not added to the Diagnostic and Statistics Manual of the American Psychiatric Association until 1994.  “Autism’s Shadow”

4. Causes  There seems to be a hereditary component  Environmental factors that affect brain development might play a role Not caused by:  Emotional deprivation  Bad parenting

5. Incidence Rates  48 out every 10,000 children (Kadesjo, Gillberg, & Nagberg, 1999)

6. Assessment Information  Psychosocial evaluation  when symptoms were first recognized  development of motor skills and language patterns  other aspects of the child's personality and behavior (including favorite activities, unusual habits, preoccupations, etc.).  past and present problems in social interaction and development of friendships

7. Characteristics  Marked delay in non-verbal behaviors  Impairments in establishing peer relationships  Delays in social reciprocity  Preoccupation with one restricted area of interest  Inflexibility or rigidity, sticking to a set, sometimes non-functional routine; stereo-typed and repetitive motor movements  Preoccupation with parts of objects  Peculiarities in speech

8. Instructional Ideas  Be careful in classroom seating assignments  Use the “peer buddy” system  Avoid self-selection in group work  Carefully consider the maturity of the group members involved  Provide “safe haven” or quiet area  Explain metaphor and sarcasm use concretely  Use “social stories” for providing directions  Vigorously but respectfully maintain class rules and other boundaries

9. Other treatments  Parent education and training  Social skills training  Language therapy  Sensory integration training for younger children, usually performed by an occupational therapist, in which a child is desensitized to stimuli to which he is overly sensitive  Psychotherapy or behavioral/cognitive therapy for older children

10. Technology  Visuals  Graphics  Models, manipulatives  Computers  The Internet

11. Resources Adreo, D. & Stella, J. (2001). Transition to middle and high school: Increasing the success of students with Asperger’s Syndrome. Intervention in School and Clinic, 36(5), 266-271. Barnill, G. P. (2001) What is Asperger’s Syndrome? Intervention in School and Clinic, 36(5), 259-265. Maag, J. W. & Katsiyannis, A. (2000). Recent legal and policy developments in special education. NASSP Bulletin 84(613), 1-8. Marks, S. U., et al. (1999). Social skills for social ills: Supporting the social skills development of adolescents with Asperger’s Syndrome. Teaching Exceptional Children, 32(2), 56-61. Safron, J. S. (2002). Supporting students with Asperger’s Syndrome in general education. Teaching Exceptional Children, 34(5), 60-66.

12. Resources continued Attwood, T. (1998). Asperger’s Syndrome:A guide for parents and professionals. Philadelphia, PA: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Ltd.