Asperger’s Syndrome By Sherri Bohne EDU 2010 Salt Lake Community College

1. Asperger’s SyndromeBy Sherri BohneEDU 2010Salt Lake Community College

2. Asperger’sSyndromeorDisorder • A type of pervasive development disorder (PDD) • Considered to be on the autism spectrum • High functioning autism, not affected by race, region or socio-economic status.

3. Hans Asperger • Psychiatrist from Vienna, Austria • 1944 behavior described as “autistic psychopathy” • This pattern included a “lack of empathy, intense absorption in a special interest, clumsy movements, little ability to form friendships and one-sided conversations.” • Opened a school for children with autistic psychopathy • Exhibited features of the condition named after him • Died in 1980 before his work was acknowledged

4. Asperger’sSyndrome • Exact cause not known • Tends to run in families • Genetic disorder (passed from parent) • Frontal lobe and posterior cingulate gyrus impaired

5. Symptoms • Problems with social skills • Eccentric or repetitive behaviors • Unusual preoccupations • Can’t read people • Can’t understand humor • Monotone voice • Clumsy • ADHD • Sleep disorders • Lack of eye contact • Few facial expressions • One sided long-winded conversations • Limited range of interests • Communication problems • No empathy • Skilled or talented in one area • Digestion problems

6. Treatments • Abilify-treats irritability • Luvox-treats depression • Zyprexa-treats repetitive behaviors • Risperdal-treats agitation • Melatonin • Ritalin-treats ADHD • Vitamin B-6 • Magnesium • Vitamin C • Omega 3 fatty acids • Gluten Free-Casein Free Diets

7. Intervention Techniques • Structured education to meet child’s needs • Behavior modification techniques • Speech, physical and occupational therapy • Psychologists/Behavior Therapists • Family Therapy • Autism Schools • Parenting Classes

8. Resources for Families • Autism Assessment And Treatment Center • Autism Council of Utah • HOPE a Parent to Parent Network • Utah Autism Research Program at U of U • Specialized Education Programming Services • Redwood Learning Center • Carmen Pingree School • Spectrum Academy

9. Asperger’s in General Education Classes • Sensory Needs – Seat them away from distractions, avoid loud noises, give them calming objects or play soothing music. • Hyper-focus – Let them show the class their area of expertise, help them envision their future and expand on their preferred subject. • Poor Executive Function – Visual learners, may need graphic organizers and work charts to keep on task. • Low Frustration Level – A time timer, have them run errands, write or draw about what frustrates them and give them little homework.

10. Coping and Support • Maintain a consistent schedule • Learn about your child and the disorder • Find a team of trusted professionals • Help others help your child • Help your child turn their obsession into their passion • Find local support

11. Children’s Book

12. Games and Activities • Race to the Finish Line – Straws and cheese ball race track • Play with Slime – Borax, water, PVA and food coloring • Marble Race – Marble building set and marbles

13. Reference Page Aitken, K. J. (2009). Dietary Interventions in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Philadelphia, PA: Jessica Kingsley Publishers Griffin, S., Sandler D. (2010). Motivate to Communicate! 300 Games and Activities for Your Child with Autism. Philadelphia, PA: Jessica Kingsley Publishers Myles, B. S., Southwick, J. (2005). Asperger Syndrome and Difficult Moments. Shawnee Mission, Kansas: Autism Asperger Publishing Company Whitman, T. L., Dewitt, N. (2011). Key Learning Skills for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. London, England: Jessica Kingsley Publishers (November 18, 2010). Asperger’s Syndrome. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aspergers-syndrome/DS00551/