2. Definition
Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) is a developmental
disability that is defined by impairments in social
relationships, verbal and nonverbal communication,
and by restrictive, repetitive patterns of behaviors,
interests, and activities.
3. Background
Identified in 1944 by Hans Asperger.
(Austria)
Brought to the attention of the
English-speaking world in 1980 by Dr.
Lorna Wing.
Was not added to the Diagnostic and
Statistics Manual of the American
Psychiatric Association until 1994.
“Autism’s Shadow”
4. Causes
There seems to be a hereditary component
Environmental factors that affect brain
development might play a role
Not caused by:
Emotional deprivation
Bad parenting
5. Incidence Rates
48 out every 10,000 children
(Kadesjo, Gillberg, & Nagberg, 1999)
6. Assessment Information
Psychosocial evaluation
when symptoms were first recognized
development of motor skills and language
patterns
other aspects of the child's personality and
behavior (including favorite activities, unusual
habits, preoccupations, etc.).
past and present problems in social interaction
and development of friendships
7. Characteristics
Marked delay in non-verbal behaviors
Impairments in establishing peer relationships
Delays in social reciprocity
Preoccupation with one restricted area of interest
Inflexibility or rigidity, sticking to a set, sometimes
non-functional routine; stereo-typed and repetitive
motor movements
Preoccupation with parts of objects
Peculiarities in speech
8. Instructional Ideas
Be careful in classroom seating assignments
Use the “peer buddy” system
Avoid self-selection in group work
Carefully consider the maturity of the group
members involved
Provide “safe haven” or quiet area
Explain metaphor and sarcasm use concretely
Use “social stories” for providing directions
Vigorously but respectfully maintain class rules and
other boundaries
9. Other treatments
Parent education and training
Social skills training
Language therapy
Sensory integration training for younger children,
usually performed by an occupational therapist, in
which a child is desensitized to stimuli to which he is
overly sensitive
Psychotherapy or behavioral/cognitive therapy for
older children
10. Technology
Visuals
Graphics
Models, manipulatives
Computers
The Internet
11. Resources
Adreo, D. & Stella, J. (2001). Transition to middle and high school: Increasing the
success of students with Asperger’s Syndrome. Intervention in School and
Clinic, 36(5), 266-271.
Barnill, G. P. (2001) What is Asperger’s Syndrome? Intervention in School and
Clinic, 36(5), 259-265.
Maag, J. W. & Katsiyannis, A. (2000). Recent legal and policy developments in
special education. NASSP Bulletin 84(613), 1-8.
Marks, S. U., et al. (1999). Social skills for social ills: Supporting the social skills
development of adolescents with Asperger’s Syndrome. Teaching Exceptional
Children, 32(2), 56-61.
Safron, J. S. (2002). Supporting students with Asperger’s Syndrome in general
education. Teaching Exceptional Children, 34(5), 60-66.
12. Resources continued
Attwood, T. (1998). Asperger’s Syndrome:A guide for parents and
professionals. Philadelphia, PA: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Ltd.