Asperger's Syndrome

DESCRIPTION

Asperger's Syndrome is classified as a Pervasive Developmental Disorder affecting two-way social interaction and verbal and non-verbal communication.   Individuals with Asperger's syndrome typically demonstrate a reluctance to accept change, inflexibility of thought and have all-absorbing narrow areas of interest.   Individuals usually have excellent extremely rote memory skills (facts, figures, dates, times etc.) and many excel in math and science. There is a range of severity of symptoms within the syndrome.

 
CHARACTERISTICS

bullet Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome often have many of the characteristics listed below:
bullet Speech may be repetitive and stilted.
bullet Voice tone may be flat and emotionless.
bullet Individuals may demonstrate an inability to make friends, seeming indifferent and withdrawn.
bullet Social interaction is often one-sided.
bullet Cognitive and communicative development are relatively normal for the first few years of development.
bullet Idiosyncratic interests are common.
bullet Verbal skills are usually excellent and, in some individuals, may be advanced.
bullet Individuals may have difficulty with nonverbal communication.
bullet Individuals may have major difficulties with social interaction.
bullet Restricted and unusual patterns of interest and behavior are typical.
bullet Individuals may demonstrate repetitive routines, ritualized behavior, and may have difficulty with change.
bullet Motor deficits and motor awkwardness are common.
bullet Odd postures may be typical.
bullet Asperger's Syndrome is more common in boys than girls.

 

MOTOR ASSESSMENT

A formal motor assessment will often not lead to accurate results as an individual with Asperger's Syndrome may not always respond to test directions. It is important to assess using observation and written and video documentation in the natural setting. Interviews with the parents, and professionals knowledgeable with the child should be included in the assessment process.

 

TEACHING SUGGESTIONS

bullet Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome will be particularly effective in gross motor activities that are repetitive swimming, stationary bicycling, rowing, and walking.Swimmer1.jpg (2249 bytes)
bullet Appropriate social behavior should be taught and reinforced.
bullet Allow the student to lead class activities or assist others when possible.
bullet Use a parts-to-whole verbal teaching approach.
bullet Keep verbal instructions simple. Supplement with lists or pictures.
bullet Encourage.  Praise any achievement. Reward progress. award.jpg (2503 bytes)
bulletWith some young children, who appear not to listen, 'singing' your words can have a beneficial effect.
bullet Limit any choices to two or three items.
bullet Limit 'special interest' time to set amounts of time each day if you can.
bullet Use turn taking activities as much as possible.
bullet Pre-warn the student of transitions.
bullet Try to build in some flexibility in their routine, if they learn early that things do change and often without warning - it can help.
bullet Try to identify stress triggers - avoid them if possible - be ready to distract with some alternative.
bullet Teach coping strategies.

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Links

Oasis - Asperger's  Syndrome

Information Sheet Home

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Information on this sheet contains only suggested guidelines. Each person must be considered individually, and in many cases, a physician's written consent should be obtained.

This page was created by Kristi Roth, Doctoral Student in Adapted Physical Education, Texas Woman's University, November, 1999.