What Is Asperger's Syndrome?
Asperger
Syndrome (AS) is considered a pervasive developmental disorder at the higher
functioning end of the autism spectrum. It is characterized by sustained
impairment in social interaction and the development of restricted, repetitive
patterns of behavior, interests and activities. In contrast to autism, there
are no obvious delays in language or cognitive development, or in age appropriate
self-help skills and adaptive behaviors, though there are subtle impairments.
How is Asperger's Syndrome Diagnosed?
Some of the
characteristic features of Asperger Syndrome overlap to varying degrees with
those of other clinical diagnoses. Therefore, a diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome
must be differentiated from disorders such as schizoid personality,
schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, Rett syndrome, and childhood
disintegrative disorder. There is considerable debate over whether or not
Asperger Syndrome should be differentiated from high-functioning autism.
Most Common Characteristics
Unlike most
people with autism, individuals with Asperger Syndrome experience little or no
delay in the onset of speech. In fact, their speech tends to be formal,
pedantic, and long-winded. Persons with AS often have monotonous vocal
intonation and limited use of gestures. They may have difficulty comprehending
other people’s expressions, gestures, and non-literal statements. Therefore,
individuals with Asperger Syndrome usually do not understand jokes, irony, and metaphors.
Many individuals with AS want to develop friendships and interact with their
peers, but lack the ability to understand and use rules governing social
behavior. They have difficulty using and interpreting gestures, judging
proximity to others, and maintaining eye contact; all of which may impede the
development of personal relationships. The social behavior of persons with AS
tends to be naïve and peculiar, and movement is likely to be awkward and
clumsy. Because of an intense interest in one or two topics, the individual
with Asperger Syndrome may talk at people instead of to people, disregarding
the listener’s interest or attention. Although individuals with AS may make efforts
to socially interact with others, their unusual manner may leave many people
not knowing how to respond. The person with Asperger Syndrome may then be left
misunderstood and isolated. Individuals with Asperger Syndrome often have
average to above average intelligence. They tend to possess excellent abstract
thinking abilities and rote memory skills. One characteristic unique to AS is
an intense interest in one or two subjects to the exclusion of all others. Many
times individuals with AS are respected for their unusual abilities, and due to
their extensive knowledge of certain topics or activities, they may be regarded
as “eccentric.” The individual’s single-minded pursuit of his or her interest
can lead to great achievements later on it academic and professional life.
Treating or Treatments for Asperger's
Syndrome?
No two people
with Asperger Syndrome are identical. Treatment and educational interventions
should be individualized to suit the needs of the person. Supports and interventions
may include:
• Teaching
skills and concepts in naturally occurring situations and across settings to
maximize generalization.
• Providing a
predictable environment with consistent daily routines and minimal transitions.
• Role-playing
social situations in which the individual with AS is taught how to react to
social cues.
• Teaching social
awareness, taking the perspective of another, and interpretations of
non-literal language.
• Teaching
appropriate nonverbal behaviors such as eye contact, gestures, proximity to
others, and correct posture.
• Instruction
on reading the nonverbal communications of others (e.g. facial expression, body
language).
• Restricting
the discussion of the individual’s special topic to specific
times and/or
places.
• Creating a
buddy system in which a peer can help with instructional directions by the
teacher, remembering homework assignments, and staying on task. Buddies may
also facilitate active socialization with others.
About FAU CARD
CARD's focus is
to enhance the lives of individuals we serve by helping them become valued
members of their communities enabling them to learn, work, communicate, and
socialize. CARD offers supports
within the natural contexts of homes, residences, child care programs, schools,
and communities at no charge. CARD
serves individuals of any age with . . .
Autism Spectrum
Disorders (ASD) which includes Autistic Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive
Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), Rett Syndrome, and
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD).
Related
Disabilities which includes deaf-blind (hearing and vision impaired), hearing
impaired or vision impaired with other disabling
Family member,
friends, and professionals may receive CARD's free services. We provide
consultative and technical support services to families and individuals on the
autism spectrum and a related disability and professionals. CARD also provides awareness
information to the community and resource information to families. Our office has a small resource library
as well, available to families. CARD
Educational Websites For Educators
http://www.intellitools.com/demo/control.asp
www.autism-how-to.com/objectives_list.htm
http://www.challengingbehavior.org/do/resources/
teaching_tools/ttyc_toc.htm
www.schoolbehavior.com/conditions_aspergertips.htm
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/