Chiko Noguchi

What is Asperger Syndrome?A developmental disorder that affects a child's

ability to socialize and communicate effectively with others. Children with Asperger's syndrome typically exhibit social awkwardness and an all-absorbing interest in specific topics. Doctors group Asperger syndrome with four other conditions that are called autistic spectrum disorders or pervasive developmental disorders. These disorders all involve problems with social skills and communication. Asperger syndrome is generally thought to be at the milder end of this spectrum.

Asperger Syndrome differs from Autistic Disorder in that early cognitive and language skills are not delayed significantly.

Individuals with Asperger Syndrome are motivated to be social, but do not know how. Social interactions are often one sided, verbose, and insensitive.

Signs and symptomsEngaging in one-sided, long-winded

conversations, without noticing if the listener is listening or trying to change the subject

Displaying unusual nonverbal communication, such as lack of eye contact, few facial expressions, or awkward body postures and gestures

Showing an intense obsession with one or two specific, narrow subjects, such as baseball statistics, train schedules, weather or snakes

Signs and symptoms

Appearing not to understand, empathize with, or be sensitive to others' feelings

Having a hard time "reading" other people or understanding humor

Speaking in a voice that is monotonous, rigid or unusually fast

Moving clumsily, with poor coordination

Medical professionals do not know of the cause or cure for Asperger Syndrome

There is no specific treatment or intervention to consistently alleviate or reduce symptoms of this disorder

Asperger Syndrome occurs much more frequently in males

In the classroom, a child with Asperger Syndrome may show:Strengths in areas of verbal abilityWeaknesses in nonverbal areas such

as visual motor and visual spatialMild motor clumsiness and

awkwardnessOveractivity and inattentionWell developed language skills but

problems with turn taking in conversations.

Often have pedantic speech, using awkward phrases and big words.

Teachers often mistake students with AS as being unmotivated, disobedient, and uncooperative, due to their typical appearance, peak skills, and intelligence

A student with excellent reading skills may have difficulty with comprehension, and a student with excellent ideas may neglect writing assignments due to poor fine motor skills

A student who can compute complex equations may not be able to make change at the grocery store

Students with AS may experience difficulties dealing with:

Changes in routines and surprisesDealing with sensory overloadTransitioning from activity to activity,

subject to subject, classroom to classroomUnstructured periodsOrganization settling down after becoming

upset/excited

Students with AS may exhibit behaviors such as:

Inefficiency to inhibit behaviorIntense reaction to changePreoccupation with specific objects or

topicsRepetitive behaviorsEmotional outburstsBehaviors that injure the self or others

As educators, we must remember that behavior problems of children with AS may be due to misunderstanding situations, instructions and/or overstimulation.

Behaviors can often be corrected by modeling appropriate behavior and guidance.

Interventions in the classroomUse classroom situations to teach

about emotions, feelings, and appropriate behavior

Encourage structured play to boost social skills-board games, cards

Use behavioral intervention, social skills groups, relaxation techniques

In order for a student with AS to succeed in school, he/she may have modifications in their IEP’s such as:

Increased time on tests due to organizational, writing, and attention problems

Reduced written assignments or permission to use alternatives to writing such as tape recorders, and word processors

Modified testing arrangements

What Can We Do As Teachers?Develop a visual schedule that the student can

refer to on their desk, binder, or lockers. Alert students and parents of any changes in the schedule that may come up such as fire drills, field trips, assemblies.

Familiarize students around the classroom and the school at the beginning of the year. Make sure the student feels comfortable going through the cafeteria, bathroom, etc independently so that he/she does not have to feel frustrated or anxious throughout the day.

What Can We Do As Teachers?

Establish clear, classroom rulesModel appropriate behavior and

conversation skills.Provide a safe place for a student to

calm down if the student feels anxious.Use special interests of the student with

AS to link teaching new ideas or other skills

Use social stories when appropriate