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Children with Asperger's SyndromeLily Geist

+Asperger’s Syndrome

Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) is a developmental disability that is

considered to be one of the Autism Spectrum disorders. It is

characterized by repetitive behavior, severe lack of social skills

verbal/nonverbal behavior, and impairments in social

relationships.

+Signs and Symptoms of Asperger’s Above average memorization skills

Anxiety and/or tantrums during change or spontaneity

Inability to be empathetic

Obsession with a certain topic, subject, or idea

Lack of “common sense”

Minimal and/or inappropriate social interactions

Above average vocabulary

Difficulty understanding feelings

Attachment to routine

+Differences between Asperger’s and Autism

Average to above average IQ

Delayed motor skills

Express interest in others

Normal development of language

Below average IQ

No problems with motor skills

No interest in others

Severe lapses in language development

Asperger’s Autism

+Tips for teaching children with Asperger’s Provide a quiet area for the child to go to whenever he/she becomes upset.

Explain metaphors and sarcasm.

Work hard to maintain consistency and structure. (For example, write the homework in the same spot on the board everyday, and routinely remind class of exams and quizzes.)

Note and point out strengths often.

Assign partners and groups for group work.

If something changes in the daily schedule, give as much advanced notice as possible.

It may be difficult for the child to listen, take notes and read at the same time. Let the child borrow another students notes or provide him/her with a copy of the notes.

Post things that are due on the board and make a copy for him/her. They need to be constantly reminded of due assignments.

+How I would approach this as a teacher

I would of course make all adjustments needed in the classroom such as constant reminding of due assignments, assigning members for groups, and writing the homework and test dates on the board. Meeting the child’s parents would also be useful to learn how to better the classroom, and the child’s education on an individual level. Providing him or her with print outs of assignments due and copies of notes would be necessary. I would let the parents know that they can contact me about anything, and we could even meet consistently to discuss progress or changes.