Asperger Syndrome ! Emily Kittredge November 11, 2011
What is Asperger Syndrome? One of the autism spectrum disorders
(ASD) where cognition is usually in the average or above-‐average range
Asperger Syndrome • Asperger syndrome affects three important areas that help deHine the condition: communication, social interactions, restrictive range of interests or behavioral repertoires • Present very early in development; usually identiHied during early childhood • Lifelong disability • No speciHic physical characteristics associated with Asperger syndrome • The incidence of Asperger syndrome is not well established, but experts in population studies conservatively estimate that two out of every 10,000 children have the disorder • Boys are three to four times more likely than girls to have AS
Characteristics • InHlexibility with routines • Low self esteem and depression • Social stiffness and awkwardness • Tendency to focus on a favorite conversational topic • Limited awareness of others feelings • DifHiculty understanding nonverbal cues
• Concrete and literal thinking • Good comprehension of factual material • Obsessive interests • Poor organizational skills • Clumsiness • Sensory problems • Emotional vulnerability and stress
Laws and Policies!
PL 101-‐476, 1990, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Adds autism as a special education category Section 504, 1973, Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504 Guarantees basic civil rights to all people with disabilities Requires the provisions of accommodations
Diagnostic Procedures
A two stage process: the Hirst stage begins with a developmental screening during a “well-‐child” check-‐up with a family doctor or pediatrician. The second stage is a comprehensive team evaluation to either rule in or rule out AS. This team generally includes a psychologist, neurologist, psychiatrist, speech therapist, and additional professionals who have expertise in diagnosing children with AS. The comprehensive evaluation includes neurological and genetic assessment, with in-‐dept cognitive and language testing to establish child’s IQ and evaluation of psychomotor function, verbal and non-‐verbal strengths and weaknesses, style of learning, and independent living skills. An assessment of communication strengths and weaknesses includes evaluating non-‐verbal forms of communication (gaze and gestures); the use of non-‐literal language (metaphor, irony, absurdities, and humor); patterns of inHlection, stress and volume modulation; pragmatics (turn-‐taking and sensitivity to verbal cues); and the content, clarity, and coherence of conversation. The physician will look at the testing results and combine them with the child’s developmental history and current symptoms to make a diagnosis.
Diagnostic Criteria There is not a standardized (used and accepted by almost everyone) test used to diagnose Asperger syndrome Most doctors look for a core group of behaviors to help them diagnose Asperger syndrome. These behaviors include: Abnormal eye contact Aloofness Failure to turn when called by name Failure to use gestures to point or show Lack of interactive play Lack of interest in peers!
Educational Services
Access to general education curriculum and inclusive environments help maximize the educational potential of each student with Asperger syndrome Special Education may be an option depending on the student
Tips for Classroom Management!
Modify the classroom environment to minimize challenging behavior. 1.
2.
3. 4. 5.
Carefully identify the inappropriate behavior(s) in observable terms. Analyze events that trigger the problem behavior and change them. Determine substitute behaviors to develop. Teach and reward alternate behaviors. Work with everyone to be sure that there is consistency across all settings, such as home and school.
Strategies/Accomodations
Make events predictable
Communicate instructions and consequences carefully
Provide structure and routine.
Use direct statements. Do not use slang or metaphors.
Develop a schedule. Avoid surprises. Do not make unannounced changes.
Foster positive participation
Provide feedback about the appropriateness of responses. Remember to tell the individual when behavior is proper. Arrange tasks that the person can perform. Enhance verbal communications with illustrations or pictures. Use concrete examples.
Related Services
Specialized speech and language therapy Physical therapy Parent training and support to teach parents behavioral techniques at home Social skills training which is often conducted in the form of group therapy that teaches children with Asperger’s the skills they need to interact more successfully with other children Cognitive behavioral therapy, a type of “talk” therapy that can help the more explosive or anxious children to manage their emotions better and cut back on obsessive interests and repetitive routines!
National Agencies USAAA (US Autism & Asperger Association)
USAAA is a leading nonproHit organization for education, support, and solutions. Their goal is to "Provide the Opportunity" for individuals with autism spectrum disorders to achieve their fullest potential
Texas Agencies! Autism Treatment Center Assists people with autism and related disorders throughout their lives as they learn, play, work and live in the community Centers located in Dallas & San Antonio
Services!
Ownership and operation of 20 community-‐based Group Homes in Dallas and San Antonio Educational Services Vocational Services Diagnostics and Research Therapy Information Dissemination
How can parents gain access to these agencies? Through their website:
http://www.atcoftexas.org/index.htm Or by contacting one of their locations in Dallas or San Antonio!
Parent & Professional Organizations!
ASPIE (Asperger Syndrome Parent-‐Professional Information Exchange) of Houston
A parent and professional support group serving the Greater Houston area that was created to provide information sharing and support to the many families and professionals who live and work with individuals with Asperger’s syndrome
Services!
Support groups for parents of children with Asperger’s syndrome, care providers, teachers, and other professionals that include speakers, open discussions, and informational sessions Support groups for adult’s with Asperger’s syndrome (18 & up); moderated by a AS specialist they provide an opportunity for attendees to interact socially and exchange information on a variety of support topics Support groups for teens with Asperger’s syndrome (13-‐17); teen issues are discussed and reHlected upon
How can parents gain access to their organizations? Through their website:
www.aspieinfo.com Or by contacting them at (281) 404-‐9976 Or emailing them:
[email protected]!
Parent Support Groups in Texas
Texas Advocates Supporting Kids with Disabilities Austin, TX 78716 (512) 336-‐0897
Texas Parent to Parent Support Austin, TX 78705 (512) 458-‐8600
Parent Connection Conroe, TX 77304 (936) 756-‐8321
Northwest Houston Chapter of the ASA ASA Chapters, Information and Support Cypress, TX 77410 (281) 686-‐0103
Helpful Websites
http://www.aspergersyndrome.org/ http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/asperger/ detail_asperger.htm http://www.aspergersyndrome.org/ http://www.usautism.org/ http://localmarket.autismsupportnetwork.com/ Aspergers_Support_Groups_Austin_TX-‐ p1561044-‐Austin_TX.html
