ASPERGER’S SYNDROME

1. ASPERGER’S SYNDROME

2. The History of Asperger’s Syndrome Dr Hans Asperger

3. The first definition of Aspergers Syndrome was published in 1944 by child psychologist Dr Hans Asperger. Aspergers study identified a pattern of behaviour and abilities that he called "autistic psychopathy", meaning autism (self) and psychopathy (personality disease). The pattern included "a lack of empathy, little ability to form friendships, one-sided conversation, intense absorption in a special interest, and clumsy movements.” Interestingly, as a child, Hans Asperger appears to have exhibited features of the very condition named after him. He was described as a remote and lonely child, who had difficulty making friends. He also liked to quote himself and often referred to himself from a third-person perspective.

4. Near the end of World War II, Asperger opened a school for children with autistic psychopathy, with Sister Victorine. The school was bombed towards the end of the war and was destroyed along with much of Hans Asperger's early work. This terrible event arguably delayed the understanding of Autism spectrum conditions in the west. Asperger died before his work became widely recognized mostly due to the fact that it was written in German and barely translated. The term "Asperger's syndrome" was popularized in a 1981 paper by British researcher Lorna Wing, which challenged the previously accepted model of autism presented by Leo Kanner in 1943. Unlike Kanner, Hans Asperger's findings were ignored and disregarded in the English-speaking world in his lifetime. Finally, from the early 1990s, his findings began to gain notice, and nowadays Asperger's Syndrome is recognised as a condition in a large part of the world.

5. What is Asperger’s Syndrome?

6. Asperger syndrome is a condition on the autistic spectrum. Asperger Syndrome is commonly referred to as a form of "high-functioning" autism. Asperger's syndrome is a neurobiological disorder affecting several areas of a person's development. It manifests in individual ways and can have both positive and negative effects on a person's life. Individuals with Asperger's are considered to have a higher intellectual capacity while suffering from a lower social capacity.

7. Asperger'sincludes repetitive behaviour patterns and impairment in social interaction. Aperson with Asperger’sis more likely to desire social acceptance, but may be unable to mediate social interactions . They may be unable to read social cues, or body language from people around them. With the right support and encouragement, people with Aspergers syndrome can lead full and independent lives.

8. Common Signs of Asperger’s Syndrome • Delayed motor development. • Problem Socialising • Difficulty in Communicating • Special knowledgeable interests • Dislikes any changes in routine • Limitations in Imagination and Creative Play • Appears to lack empathy • Has unusual facial expressions or postures • Heightened sensitivity

9. Key Elements of Asperger’s Syndrome

10. Difficulty with Social Relationships People with Asperger’s differ from those with classic autism, whom often appear withdrawn and uninterested in the world around them, Many people with Asperger Syndrome try very hardto be sociable and enjoy human contact. However they do find it difficult to understand types of non-verbal communication like facial expressions and body language indicators.

11. Difficulty with Communications People with Asperger Syndrome may sometimes speak very fluently but they may also disregard the reactions of the person listening to them. They may talk on and on regardless if the person they are talking to is not interested being unaware of when to start and end conversation. Despite having good language skills, people with Asperger Syndrome may some times sound over-precise or over-literal. Some times joking can cause problems as can exaggerated language and metaphors. An example of this could be a simple statement like “he blew up at me" this statement may confuse or frighten the person with Asperger's.

12. Limitations in Imagination While Asperger's people often excel at learning facts and figures they can find it hard to think in abstract ways. This can cause problems for children in school where they may have difficulty with certain subjects such as english literature or religious studies.

13. Special Interests People with Asperger's often develop an almost obsessive interest in a hobby or collection. Usually their interest involves arranging or memorising particular facts about certain subjects. Encouragement of this can be a positive benefit from Asperger’s as their interests can be developed through study or work in their favourite subjects.

14. Routine Any unexpected change in a routine can be upsetting for people with Asperger’s. At home or school they may get upset by sudden changes, such as changes to class activities. People with Asperger's often prefer to order their day according to a set pattern. If they have set hours and there is any delay, such as a traffic hold up or any general lateness this can cause them to be anxious or upset.

15. Sensory Issues People with Asperger’s Syndrome may have sensory difficulties. These can occur in one or all of the senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, or taste). The degree of difficulty varies from one individual to another. Commonly, an individual's senses are either intensified (over-sensitive) or underdeveloped (under-sensitive). E.g. bright lights, loud noises, overpowering smells, and the feeling of certain textures can be a cause of anxiety and pain for people with Asperger syndrome.

16. Who is affected by Asperger syndrome? There are over one hundred thousand people in Australia with an Autism spectrum disorder - that's around 1 in 160. People with Asperger Syndrome come from all nationalities, cultures, social backgrounds and religions. However, the condition appears to be more common in males than females; the reason for this is unknown.

17. What causes Asperger syndrome? The exact cause of Asperger syndrome is still under investigation. However, scientific research suggests that a combination of factors both genetic and environmental may account for changes in brain development. Asperger’sSyndrome is not caused by a person's upbringing, their social circumstances and is not the fault of the individual with the condition.

18. Is there a cure? There is currently no cure or any specific treatment for people with Asperger’s syndrome. There are many approaches, therapies and interventions, which can improve an individual's quality of life. These may include communication-based interventions, behavioural therapy and dietary changes. As societal understanding of the condition improves and services continue to develop, people with Asperger’s Syndrome have more opportunity than ever of reaching their full potential.

19. Applications to Teaching Practice Teaching with Asperger’s

20. Strategies for Inclusion • Use their special interest as a motivator • Encourage them to join school clubs at lunchtime, this reduces the stress the playground offers and provides a social atmosphere as well. • Open the library for them at lunchtime if they need time away from others • Do not take behaviours personally • Have clear rules and expectations • Develop a good rapport with the student • Be mindful of what is required of the student as they are very literal • Have a back up plan, in case all else fails

21. Using their Special Interest in Curriculum Outcomes If the outcome is: • Reading for Comprehension: Allow the activity to be about their special interest • Maths: Use their special interest as the focus of the task i.e. weight, length etc • Science: Make their special interest the focus of the experiment. This is even more useful if their interest is science related. • Oral Activities: Let the student prepare using their special interest as a topic • Written Activities: The student can prepare a large number of different activities using their special interest as a basis e.g. News report, letter etc • Listening Activities: Have the student listen to audio or watch a video on their special interest and then compile a report.

22. Working with Asperger’s • Don’t overload the student. Keep directions brief and concise. • Write down tasks to provide a visual aid • Give the student time to process requests • Use positive reinforcement and encourage the student • Take initiative by writing down the questions for the student or topic headlines for them to look at • Use worksheets that will engage the student and minimise unruly behaviours • Ensure the student is well equipped, have an extra copy of the textbook so they can keep one at home • Be consistent in expectations and directions

23. Living with Asperger’s Click here

24. References • Moore, S.(2002) Asperger Syndrome and the Elementary School Experience, Kansas, AAPC. • Attwood, T.(2006) The complete guide to Asperger’s Syndrome. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. • Betts, S. And Gerber-Eckard, L.(2007) Asperger’s Syndrome in the inclusive classroom: advice and strategies for teachers. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. • NHS Choices.(2009) Asperger’s: Real Story, Youtube accessed on 16/10/09 at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsgwezeTsQY