Asperger Syndrome

Asperger Syndrome: General Information

Asperger syndrome (AS) is an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) characterized by difficulties in social interactions and repetitive patterns of behaviors and interests. It is different from other autism spectrum disorders due to its relative preservation of linguistic and cognitive development. The cause is unknown. Patients with Asperger Syndrome improve as they grow whereas social and communication difficulties persist. 

From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asperger_syndrome

Diagnosis (Danielle Angel)

Sign	Explanation
Failure to develop friendships	-  Difficulties in making friends -  Lack of social skills -  Difficulties in talking to others or participating in group work
Selective mutism	-   Speak only with people they know -   Inability to speak to strangers
Inability to empathize	-  Inability to “put yourself in their shoes” -  Difficulties comprehending the emotions of others -  Although able to learn correct social responses, child is unable to understand the reasons behind the responses
Inability to make/forcing eye contact	- Difficulties in making or holding eye contact with people
Being “active but odd”	-  Formation of only a few close relationships  OR -  Many acquaintances but no deep friendships
Narrowed interest	-  Poor performance in school (with the possible exception of one specific subject) -  Obsessed with certain and specific interests such as playing video games, drawing, etc.
Sticking to routine	-  Follow a very specific routine -  Great distress and anxiety when forced to deviate from schedule
Literal interpretation	-  Literal interpretation of others’ statements -  Do not understand sarcasm but do understand humour -  Require frequent explanations during normal conversation
Excellent pattern recognition	-  Possess an amazing ability to recognize patterns -  Often display outstanding achievement in classes that require pattern recognition such as math or art
Poor motor skills	-  Poor handwriting due to poor hand-eye coordination -  Difficulties with gross motor skills i.e. walking

From: http://www.activebeat.com/your-health/10-symptoms-of-aspergers-syndrome/

Warning Signs

Communication	Social	Behavioral
-   Loss of any language or social skills at any age -  No response when name is called -  Doesn’t show any gestures (such as hand waving) by 12 months -  Doesn’t speak in sentences of more than one word by 24 months -  Selective mutism (inability to talk to strangers) -  Poor handwriting due to poor fine motor skills	-  Avoids or ignores peers -  Doesn’t point to things that interest him/her -  Rarely smiles in public -  Doesn’t try to obtain parents’ attention -  Prefers to look at objects over peoples’ faces -  Interprets statements literally -  Requires frequent explanations during normal conversation -  Inability to empathize - “put oneself in another’s shoes” -  Difficulty making or holding eye contact -  Does not understand sarcasm	-  Doesn’t show interest in toys -  Playing with toys in unusual ways such as spinning/opening or using parts of a toy instead of using the toy as a whole -  Odd and repetitive movement with fingers or hands -  Unusual interest in certain objects such as light switches, doors, fans and wheels -  Displays outstanding achievement in fields requiring pattern recognition such as math or art -  Obsessive interest in specific hobbies such as video games or drawing -  Displays distress when forced to deviate from established routine

From: http://www.myaspergerschild.com/2010/10/warning-signs-of-aspergers.html

How Can Asperger Syndrome Affect a Child?

• Difficulties in problem solving and staying focused make it hard for them to get good marks in school
• Impaired language skill makes it hard for them to sustain conversations, contribute in the classroom, or communicate their needs or wants
• Immature behavior alienates them from their peer group
• Social difficulties can result in bullying
• Insistence on routine can cause difficulties when change inevitably happens

From: http://www.ask.com/answers/14476731/what-are-the-effects-of-asperger-s-syndrome

 

Options For a Child with Asperger Syndrome

• Develop routine for them in their lives. This is the only way the patients can have control over events. (Autism Initiatives)
• Provide key information during any conversation since people with Asperger Syndrome are unable to sift through the important and unimportant information. (Autism Initiatives)
• As people with Asperger syndrome perform any tasks, working with them and providing guidance and advises will increase their possibility of success.
• Keep in mind that people with Asperger syndrome may possess poor motor/ organizational skills and clumsiness. Therefore, show understanding for their performance as they engage in activities that require gross motor and social skills, such as playing football. 

From: http://www.autisminitiatives.org/about-autism/what-is-asperger-syndrome/how-to-help-a-person-with-asperger-syndrome.aspx

Asperger's in the Classroom

In the classroom, there are several ways to help children with Asperger Syndrome learn effectively.  First of all, pay attention to how your students with Asperger Syndrome respond to sensory inputs like high pitched noise and bright lights. Avoid the appearance of these sensory inputs in classroom since they distract the children and create anxiety. Second, use a lot of visual presentations since the students remember concepts better when they are presented visually to them. Third, students with Asperger Syndrome tend to focus on a single subject. Helping them shine in their area of interest will lead to amazing performances. Fourth; teachers should teach and let students with Asperger Syndrome learn how to calm themselves down. A couple method to reduce anxiety are asking for a break in the middle of classes. And writing what causes frustration. (Jerry  web) Fifth, teachers should provide home work, that take no more than 30 minute to the students. Anything that takes longer will make them frustrated and angry. They then will perceive homework as invasion their home turf. Lastly,  you should be flexible and supportive to them. Celebrate their success with them as they succeed in making friendship, when they participate approximately in collective groups and so on. Remember, people with Asperger Syndrome are just as normal as other people. Learn to respect and appreciate the special population (Jerry Web)

From: http://specialed.about.com/od/autismandaspergers/a/Aspergers-Syndrome-In-The-General-Education-Classroom.htm

Resources

Parenting Aspergers Children Facebook Support Group 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Parenting-Aspergers-Children-Support-Group/101589699900722

Aspergers Teen Chatroom 

http://www.aspergersteenchat.com

Parenting Aspergers Children and Teens: Instructional Videos 

http://myaspergerschild.com/2010/08/aspergers-videos.html