Asperger’s Syndrome

1. Asperger’s Syndrome Sarah Katie H. Melissa

2. Meet Nomi http://www.boston.com/yourlife/health/diseases/articles/2007/01/08/nomi_slideshow/

3. Etiology Genetic Contribution Multiple Factors Hereditary Linkage Stronger genetic component than Autism

4. Characteristics Significant difficulties in social interactions Restricted and repetitive behavior Relative preservation of cognitive and linguistic development Clumsiness and atypical use of language Scripted, robotic speech Average or above average intelligence

5. Incidence & Prevalence • According to the Asperger’s Syndrome Coalition of the United States: • Many kids are diagnosed after 3, with most diagnosed between the ages of 5 and 9. • AS may occur at a rate of 3.6 to 7.1 per 1000 children ages 7- 16 years • AS is 5 times more common in children than autism • Male to female ratio is 2-3:1

6. Related Services Early Intervention ( birth – 3) IEP (offered in school from 3-21) College (Office of Disability Services) Work (MA Department of Health and Human Services)

7. Educational Considerations Individualized training on reading facial expressions and emotional reactions Work on organization of notes and ideas for class Preview routines and changes in schedules Teachers should plan lessons in clear patterns that are easy to follow

8. Impact of Disability on Language & Social Development • Difficulty with perceiving social environmental cues and rules • Exhibits limited knowledge of the concept of friendship • Definite preferences for clothing due to comfort level • Difficulty with understanding and expressing varied emotionalstates • Limited awareness and inappropriate display of emotions

9. Behavioral Issues Shows a desire to interact with others but does so in a socially unconventional way Misinterprets social cues Mindblindness to feelings and boundaries of others Preoccupations with specific interests Obsessive-compulsive tendencies Repetitive body movements Speaks in a tone that is monotonous and lacks inflection and rhythm Cognitively, child demonstrated average- above average intelligence

10. Common Medical Treatment • Combination of therapies (PT, OT, SLP) • Social Skills Training/ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy • Psychotherapy • Medicine Prescriptions • To help alleviate hyperactivity or impulsivity • Psychostimulants and Antidepressants • To help alleviate aggressiveness • Mood stabilizers, Beta Blockers, Neuroleptics • To help alleviate anxiety • SSRIs and Antidepressents • To help alleviate preoccupations and compulsions • SSRIs

11. Adaptations (Assistive Technology) • Contrast Aids: highlighter tape, colored overlays and paper, bolded font. • Organizational Aids: schedules, check lists, picture cues • Positioning Aids: alternative keyboards • Computer Software Aids: • Helps to organize ideas prior to writing • Enables child to express him/herself • http://superherosquad.marvel.com/cyoc

12. Impact of Language Development on Academic & Social Skills • Academic Skills: • Average or above average intelligence • No delay in linguistic development • Large vocabulary and formal speech (for areas of particular interest) • Little attention span • Difficulty with math and writing is different for each child • Social Skills: • Literalism • Social Scripts • Egocentric state of mind

13. Impact of Disability on Auditory Skills • Asperger’s Syndrome may affect a child’s auditory system: • Not effectively interpret information • Literally and concretely • Hypersensitive to noise • Failing to respond when their name is called • Comprehends but needs extra time to process information • Difficulty following multi-step directions

14. Communication and Social Interaction Alternatives for Nonspeaking Individuals • This does not apply to this population • Average to below- average nonverbal cognitive abilities, though verbal cognitive abilities are usually average to above average • Children with AS: • Might show no delays in language development • Have good grammatical skills and an advanced vocabulary at an early age • Typically exhibit a language disorder (literal)

15. Resources • An Autism Spectrum Disorder. (2011). KidsHealth. Retrieved from http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/brain/asperger.html# • Asperger’s Syndrome. (2011). Autism Society. Retrieved from http://www.autism-society.org/about-autism/aspergers-syndrome/ • Asperger Syndrome Fact Sheet. (2011). National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Retrieved from http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/asperger/detail_asperger.htm#179683080 • Asperger Syndrome. (2011). Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asperger_syndrome • Asperger’s Syndrome in Children and Teens. Your Little Professor. Retrieved from: http://www.yourlittleprofessor.com/schools.html

16. Resources (continued) • Aspergers Children and Sensory Issues. (2011). My Aspergers Child. Retrieved from: http://www.myaspergerschild.com/2011/04/aspergers-children-and-sensory-issues.html • Stokes, Susan. Children with Asperger’s Syndrome: Characteristics/Learning Styles and Intervention Strategies. Retrieved from:http://www.specialed.us/autism/asper/asper11.html • Rosen- Bloch, Sally. (1999).Asperger’s Syndrome, High Functioning Austim, and Disorders of the Autistic Continuum. Retrieved from: http://www.aspergersyndrome.com/html/research_paper.html • Treatment for Asperger’s Disorder. (2007) . PsychCentral. Retrieved from http://psychcentral.com/lib/2007/treatment-for-aspergers-disorder/ • What Are the Autism Spectrum Disorders? (2009). National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/autism/what-are-the-autism-spectrum-disorders.shtml • Weinstein, Anna. (2011). Asperger’s in the Classroom. Retrieved from: http://www.education.com/magazine/article/Aspergers_the_Classroom/