Consulting Project Autism and Asperger’s

1. Consulting Project Autism and Asperger’s ED 243 Chris Henderson

2. Which one of these children have Autism/Asperger’s?

3. Answer? • Perhaps all or none of these children have Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome • From external observation it is almost impossible to tell if a person has Autism or Asperger's • The only way to tell if some has Asperger’s or Autism is through social interaction.

4. Autism • Definition: Autism is a developmental disorder that appears in the first 3 years of life, and affects the brain's normal development of social and communication skills.

5. Asperger’s • Is an autism spectrum disorder that is categorized by difficulties in social interaction, and repetitive patterns of behaviors and interests. It differs from other autism spectrum disorders because those with the disability develop with normal to above average intelligence.

6. Autism Spectrum

7. Autism vs. Asperger’s • Children with Asperger’s usually have a normal IQ range. • Adapt instruction to social skills and needs • Children with Autism might have more cognitive delays • Adapt instruction to IQ range.

8. Symptoms of Autism/Asperger’s: in Social Interactions and Relationships • eye-to-eye gazing, facial expressions • Failure to establish friendships with children the same age • Reciprocity (i.e. sharing enjoyment, interests with others) • Lack of empathy

9. Symptoms of Autism/Asperger’s: in Verbal and Nonverbal Communication • Delays in speech • Problems in holding a conversation • Stereotyped and repetitive use of language • Miscommunication with others

10. Symptoms of Autism/Asperger’s: in Limited Interests in Activities or Play • An unusual focus on specific objects and topics • A need for sameness and routines. • Repetitive behaviors (ex: body rocking and hand flapping)

11. What to do when you see the signs? • Not easily detected at a young age • With assistance and age they become better with social skills • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWY3ntr3sdI

12. What is it like to have Asperger’s Disorder? • “Imagine if you were blindfolded and dropped in a foreign country with no map, guidebook, or dictionary. You can’t speak the language, the culture is unrecognizable, you struggle with the terrain, and yet you are expected to make a permanent home there.” - AEIOU Foundation

13. Activity • Culture test • Volunteers • Those who volunteered go outside the classroom • Everyone else wait for directions

14. Strengths of Students with Autism and Asperger’s • Widespread factual information • Advance vocabulary in a specific topics • Particular memories/Pay attention to details • Work independently

15. Weaknesses • Comprehension and abstract ideas • Difficulties adapting to change • Difficulty communicating and reciprocity • Experiences of anxiety • Poor organizational skills

16. Instructional Strategies • You must know your student • Provide clear and detailed information on the assignments • Be consistent when giving assignments • Be patient

17. Other Informational Videos • Asperger’s Disorder Documentary • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_PBVxGEEY4 • Part I

18. Sources • Frith, U. (1991). Autism and asperger syndrome. New York: Cambridge University Press.  • Grandin, T. (2004). Teaching tips for children and adults with autism (online). Centre for the Study of Autism. Available from:http://aeiou.org.au/what-is-it-like to-have-autis. • Indiana Resource Centre for Autism (2005). Autism training sourcebook. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University, Institute for the Study of Developmental Disabilities • Klin, A., and Volkmar, F.R., “Asperger’s Syndrome,” in Handbookof Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders (2nd Ed.), 1997. • Myles, B. S., and Simpson, R. L., AspergerSyndrome: A Guide forEducators and Parents,1998. • Schopler, E., & Mesibov, G. V. (Eds.). (1992). High-functioning individuals with autism. New York: Plenum Press. • T. Attwood, Asperger’s Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals, 1998.