An introduction to Asperger's Syndrome, outlining key features and issues. Powerpoint linked to Introduction to Asperger's document which includes links to video clips and journal articles etc.

1. DIFFERENT MINDS
AN INTRODUCTION TO ASPERGER’S SYNDROME

2. WHAT IS AUTISM?
Autism is a complex developmental disability.
Affects ability to communicate and interact with others.
Usually appears during the first three years of life.
A “spectrum disorder” & affects individuals differently and to
varying degrees.
Estimated that one in every 150 American children has some
degree of autism.

3. ASPERGER’S
SYNDROME
Asperger‟s &Autism
Asperger‟s Syndrome is an Autistic Spectrum Disorder. It
causes difficulties in three main areas:
 social communication
 social interaction
 social imagination

4. ASPERGER’S
SYNDROME
Asperger‟s is a term used to describe the milder end of autistic
spectrum.
First identified by Hans Asperger in 1940s
Identified cases shared some defining features of autism
Key differences
speech less commonly delayed * motor deficits more
common * later onset * only in boys.
Asperger also suggested possible genetic link to father
AS „High functioning‟ and more treatable than standard autism
Asperger‟s Syndrome became a standard diagnosis in 1992
World Health Organization's diagnostic manual, International
Classification of Diseases

5. COMMON SYMPTOMS
poor empathy;
naive, inappropriate, one-sided social interaction
little ability to form friendships
social isolation
pedantic and monotonic speech
poor nonverbal communication
absorption in narrow topics
facts learned in rote fashion
impression of eccentricity
clumsy and ill-coordinated movements
odd posture.

6. VOICES
„People with Aspergers live on a physical level
..emotions are invisible‟
“If you've seen one Aspie, you've seen one Aspie,”
“I am very empathic. I can …feel what everyone is
feeling … The problem is that it all comes in faster
than I can process it.”
„I think in pictures‟
: http://tiny.cc/njwza
: http://tiny.cc/yppa7

7. THEORIES
„intense world‟?
Theory of Mind („Mind Blindness‟)?
Neurobiological: Cortisol/Testosterone?
Extreme Male Brain Theory?
Difference not disability?

8. Sally – Ann Test
This is used to assess the
ability to see events from
another point of view.
Children on the autistic
spectrum typically cannot
recognise that Ann will
look in the basket for the
ball – because she is not
aware that it has been
moved. They assume that
because we can see what
has happened to the ball,
Ann can too.

9. WHY THE INCREASE IN AS?
2006 survey found Asperger’s Syndrome to be the fastest rising
psychiatric diagnosis amongst children in Silicone Valley
Misdiagnosis for general social difficulties?
„Geek Syndrome‟? (see http://tiny.cc/52i6z)
Atomised society
Previously ignored condition?
Classification problem?
Predilection for adults to self-diagnose?

10. TEN THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
1. AS is a broad description rather than an absolute formula.
2. Often an „invisible‟ condition.
3. Transition anxiety is a strong feature – even small changes
in routine should be handled carefully.
4. Some routine „body language‟ may not be read correctly
5. Try to be literal, logical and linear
6. Take care to speak in a calm, controlled voice.
7. Try to eliminate extraneous noise where possible
8. AS helps explain but does not excuse
9. You can have a happy, productive life with AS.
10. Teach but don‟t preach about Asperger‟s Syndrome

11. ‘THE WORLD NEEDS ALL
KINDS OF MINDS’
Temple Grandin was diagnosed with autism as a small child
in the 1950s. Her astonishing achievements are an
inspiration to everyone living with AS.
The Autistic Mind