Asperger s Syndrome

1. Asperger�s Syndrome Brittani Buchanan October 20, 2007

2. Introduction The number of children being diagnosed with Asperger�s Syndrome has been increasing over the past years. Because of this rise, it would not be uncommon for teachers to have students in their classroom with this disorder. It is the teacher�s responsibility to know how to effectively teach these students. This presentation will hopefully help teachers and parents recognize Asperger�s Syndrome in children and provide them with helpful teaching tips.

3. Overview This presentation will discuss several topics concerning Asperger�s Syndrome. These topics include: -What is Asperger�s Syndrome - Who is effected -Teaching Strategies for Asperger�s students

4. What is Aspergers Syndrome? Asperger�s syndrome or AS, was first described in the 1940�s by Hans Asperger. He observed autistic-like behaviors and difficulties with social and communication skills in boys with normal or above normal intelligence.

5. What is Aspergers? (Cont.) The seven key signs of AS are as follows: ~Insistence on sameness ~Impairment in social interaction ~Restricted range of interests ~Poor Concentration ~Poor motor coordination ~Academic Difficulties ~Emotional vulnerability

6. Insistence on Sameness Children with AS are easily overwhelmed by minimal change They are highly sensitive to environmental stressors Tend to worry obsessively when they do not know what to expect

7. Impairment in Social Interaction Children with AS show an inability to understand complex rules of social interaction They may be egocentric and may not like physical contact They sometimes do not understand jokes, irony, or metaphors They exhibit poor ability to initiate conversations

8. Restricted Range of Interests Children with AS have eccentric preoccupations or odd , intense fixations They often follow their own inclinations regardless of external demands They refuse to learn about anything outside of their limited field of interest

9. Poor Concentration Children are often off task, distracted by internal stimuli such as a smell, or a noise They are often disorganized They have trouble in group settings because they often day dream

10. Poor Motor Coordination Children are physically clumsy and awkward They are unsuccessful in games involving motor skills They show slow clerical speed, which may affect their ability to draw

11. Academic Difficulties They have above average intelligence, but lack high level thinking and comprehension skills They understand images that are concrete, but cannot grasp abstraction

12. Emotional Vulnerability Children with AS sometimes have low self-esteem, and are unable to tolerate mistakes They are also prone to depression

13. Who is effected by AS? AS is three to four times more common in boys than girls As many as 7 out of 1,000 children have AS Genetics play a crucial role in AS Can be directly passed down from father to son

14. Teaching Strategies for AS Students They are many teaching strategies. Here are some that seemed important: ~Provide a predictable environment ~Minimize transitions ~Offer consistent daily routine ~Avoid Surprises

15. Teaching Strategies (Cont.) Protect the child from bullying and teasing Emphasize proficient academic skills Model two-way interactions, and let them role play Encourage active socialization

16. Teaching Strategies (Cont.) Do not allow student to discuss or ask questions about isolated interests during inappropriate times Use positive reinforcement to direct the desired behavior Firm expectations must be set Assignments should be broken down into smaller units

17. Teaching Strategies (Cont.) Use timed work sessions May need to lesson homework load Seat child in front of class to lesson distractions Work out nonverbal signals Do not overly push competitive sports

18. Teaching Strategies (Cont.) May benefit from guidelines drawn on paper that help control size of letters that they write May need more time to complete exams Add explanations for assignments Capitalize on academic successes Alert child to changes in routine

19. Sources Autism Society of America. Retrieved October 2007, from Asperger�s Disorder. Website: http://www.autism-society.org/site/ PageNavigator/about_whatis_asperger This site contains information on the history and overall definition of Asperger�s Syndrome, including who first observed these symptoms, what distinguishes Asperger�s from Autism, and many signs and symptoms of Asperger�s Syndrome.

20. Sources Healthwise. (2006). Asperger�s Syndrome-Topic overview. Retrieved October 2007, from WebMD. Website: http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/ tc/aspergers-syndrome-topic-overview This site contains helpful facts about AS, including the causes and treatments of AS.

21. Sources May, K. (2005). Teaching Strategies for Asperger�s Students. Retrieved October 2007, from New Horizons for Learning. Website: http://www.newhorizons.org/spneeds/autism This web site contains very helpful teaching strategies for Asperger students. This website includes tips for behavior management and academic improvement.

22. Sources Williams, K. (1995). Understanding the Student with Asperger�s Syndrome: Guidelines for Teachers. Retrieved October 2007, from Online Asperger Syndrome Information and Support. Website: http://www.udel.edu/asperger/ karenwilliams_guidelines.html This website contains the best information on what teachers can do to effectively teach these students. There are also many signs and symptoms listed, teachers need to be aware of.

23. Sources Kids� Health. Retrieved October 2007, from Kids� Health: Asperger Syndrome. Website: http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopicsDetailsKids This site contains information on how children see this syndrome. There are many quotes and suggestions from children themselves.

24. Sources Lamarine, R. (2001). Asperger syndrome: advice for school personnel. Preventing School Failure, 148. Retrieved October 2007, from InfoTrac Custom Journal Database. This article contains many different ideas on AS. It also explains how different school personnel teach children with AS, and what to expect from them academically.

25. Sources Griffin, H., Griffin, L., Fitch, C., Alberta, V., and Gingras, H. (Jan. 2006). Educational Interventions for Individuals with Asperger Syndrome. Intervention in School and Clinic, 150. Retrieved October 2007, from Expanded Academic ASAP database. This article also contains information on how these children need to be taught in our school system. Also, there are some in depth studies on children with AS.

26. Conclusion In conclusion, because the number of students with AS is increasing, future teachers need to be prepared to teach these students effectively. How can teachers do this if they are not aware of the signs and symptoms of AS? It is the teacher�s responsibility to be well-educated and know all of her students needs. Hopefully, this PowerPoint has successfully educated both teachers and parents alike.