Special Education & Asperger’s Syndrome

1. Special Education & Asperger’s Syndrome

2. Asperger’s Syndrome • Asperger's syndrome is a developmental disorder that affects a person's ability to socialize and communicate effectively with others. On the outside a child with Asperger’s Syndrome doesn’t look different than any other child.

3. Asperger’s Syndrome Symptoms • Having one-sided conversations without noticing if the listener is listening. • Unusual non-verbal communication including lack of eye contact, very few facial expressions, and awkward body movements. • Obsession with specific and often unusual topics • Inability to understand, empathize or be sensitive to others' feelings • Having a hard time understanding non-literal phrases or humor • Tendency to discuss self rather than others • Speaking in a voice that is monotonous, rigid or unusually fast • Moving clumsily, with poor coordination

4. Asperger’s Syndrome treatment • Teach friendship skills appropriate with the child’s developmental stage • Some appropriate questions could include: • What do friends do?• What makes a good friend?• What makes you a good friend?• Who are your friends at school?• Why do we have friends?• Why is (name) your friend?

5. Asperger’s Syndrome treatment • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy • Learning social skills • Self-control of emotions • Obsessions • Repetitive behaviors

6. Asperger’s Syndrome education • Children with Asperger’s Syndrome tend to be high-functioning and many are placed in general education classrooms

7. Asperger’s Syndrome support • Many family members have found support groups to be a vital part of an individual’s treatment plan.

8. Asperger’s Syndrome • Be patient and use repetition to help your child succeed!