A Teacher’s Guide toA Teacher’s Guide to

AspergeAsperger’s r’s

SyndroSyndromeme

Jessica Yamnitzky, Graduate StudentJessica Yamnitzky, Graduate Student

University of PittsburghUniversity of Pittsburgh

© 2007© 2007

Today’s Goals:Today’s Goals:

1. Define Asperger’s Syndrome1. Define Asperger’s Syndrome

2. Identify common signs and 2. Identify common signs and treatment options of Asperger’s treatment options of Asperger’s SyndromeSyndrome

3. Outline ways to help a child with 3. Outline ways to help a child with Asperger’s Syndrome in the Asperger’s Syndrome in the classroomclassroom

What do those words mean?What do those words mean? Autism Spectrum Disorder: a brain Autism Spectrum Disorder: a brain

development disorder commonly diagnosed development disorder commonly diagnosed before age 3, with impairments primarily in before age 3, with impairments primarily in social interaction, communication and social interaction, communication and restrictive & repetitive behaviorrestrictive & repetitive behavior

DSM-IV: the Diagnostic and Statistical DSM-IV: the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4Manual of Mental Disorders (4thth edition) lists edition) lists the different categories of mental disorders the different categories of mental disorders and the criteria for diagnosing themand the criteria for diagnosing them

Common names for Asperger’s Syndrome: Common names for Asperger’s Syndrome: AS, Asperger Syndrome, Asperger’sAS, Asperger Syndrome, Asperger’s

Asperger’s Syndrome. Retrieved September 22, 2007, from Autism Speaks Asperger’s Syndrome. Retrieved September 22, 2007, from Autism Speaks website: http://www.autismspeaks.org/navigating/index.phpwebsite: http://www.autismspeaks.org/navigating/index.php

Case StudyCase StudySee if you can list all of the “out of the ordinary See if you can list all of the “out of the ordinary

things” that Mrs. Gale has noticed. things” that Mrs. Gale has noticed.

When your list is complete, discuss what When your list is complete, discuss what you found with 2-3 other people sitting you found with 2-3 other people sitting

around you. around you.

Did they find things that you didn’t? Did they find things that you didn’t?

Did you notice something that they Did you notice something that they didn’t?didn’t?

What is Asperger’s What is Asperger’s Syndrome?Syndrome?

An autism spectrum disorder that effects An autism spectrum disorder that effects language and communication skillslanguage and communication skills

Children with AS have trouble reading Children with AS have trouble reading facial expressions and peoples’ gesturesfacial expressions and peoples’ gestures

They find it difficult to identify and They find it difficult to identify and express their feelingsexpress their feelings

They may also have a hard time They may also have a hard time connecting to other people, such as connecting to other people, such as classmatesclassmates

Asperger Syndrome Fact Sheet. Retrieved September 22, 2007, from National Asperger Syndrome Fact Sheet. Retrieved September 22, 2007, from National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website: Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website:

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/aspergerhttp://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/asperger

What is Asperger’s What is Asperger’s Syndrome?Syndrome?

According to the DSM-IV-TR, According to the DSM-IV-TR, Asperger’s Syndrome must fit the Asperger’s Syndrome must fit the following criteria:following criteria: Qualitative impairment in reciprocal Qualitative impairment in reciprocal

social interactionsocial interaction Qualitative impairment in communicationQualitative impairment in communication Restricted, repetitive and stereotyped Restricted, repetitive and stereotyped

patterns of behavior, interests and patterns of behavior, interests and activitiesactivities

Whom does Asperger’s Whom does Asperger’s Syndrome affect?Syndrome affect?

Over 400,000 families are affected by Over 400,000 families are affected by Asperger’s SyndromeAsperger’s Syndrome

It is estimated that 2 out of every 10,000 It is estimated that 2 out of every 10,000 children have been diagnosed with the children have been diagnosed with the disorderdisorder

Asperger’s Syndrome affects boys more Asperger’s Syndrome affects boys more often than girlsoften than girls

AS is usually diagnosed between the ages AS is usually diagnosed between the ages of 5 and 9of 5 and 9

Asperger Syndrome. Retrieved September 15, 2007, from KidsHealth Asperger Syndrome. Retrieved September 15, 2007, from KidsHealth website: http://www.kidshealth.orgwebsite: http://www.kidshealth.org

Common Signs of Common Signs of Asperger’s SyndromeAsperger’s Syndrome

Peculiar mannerisms such as odd speech Peculiar mannerisms such as odd speech patterns (they may sound like “little patterns (they may sound like “little professors”)professors”)

Few facial expressions and difficulty Few facial expressions and difficulty reading others’ body languagereading others’ body language

Unusual sensitivity to light, sound, smell, Unusual sensitivity to light, sound, smell, taste and touchtaste and touch

Obsessions with a single topic such as Obsessions with a single topic such as music, dinosaurs, cars or the mechanics of a music, dinosaurs, cars or the mechanics of a toastertoaster

A need for routines, rituals and consistency A need for routines, rituals and consistency (such as a familiar morning routine)(such as a familiar morning routine)

Lack of “common sense” and an inability to Lack of “common sense” and an inability to identify social cuesidentify social cues

What are some treatment What are some treatment options?options?

Although there is no one particular Although there is no one particular treatment for AS, the most effective treatment for AS, the most effective approaches are therapies that focus approaches are therapies that focus on: on:

Improving poor communication skillsImproving poor communication skills obsessive or repetitive routinesobsessive or repetitive routines physical clumsinessphysical clumsiness

Other treatment options may include:Other treatment options may include: Education and training for parentsEducation and training for parents Social skills trainingSocial skills training Language therapyLanguage therapy Specialized help in school for the childSpecialized help in school for the childAsperger Syndrome Fact Sheet. Retrieved September 22, 2007, Asperger Syndrome Fact Sheet. Retrieved September 22, 2007,

from National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke from National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/aspergerwebsite: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/asperger

What are a student’s legal What are a student’s legal rights for special education?rights for special education?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEIA) of 2004 covers children ages 3-Act (IDEIA) of 2004 covers children ages 3-21 who are diagnosed with any of the 21 who are diagnosed with any of the following:following: Mental retardationMental retardation Hearing impairmentsHearing impairments Visual impairmentsVisual impairments Serious emotional disturbanceSerious emotional disturbance Orthopedic impairmentsOrthopedic impairments AutismAutism Traumatic brain injuriesTraumatic brain injuries Other health impairments (such as ADD or ADHD)Other health impairments (such as ADD or ADHD)

What are a student’s legal What are a student’s legal rights for special education?rights for special education?

To qualify for special education an To qualify for special education an evaluation must determine: evaluation must determine:

(1)(1) that the child has one of the covered that the child has one of the covered disabilitiesdisabilities

(2)(2) that the child needs special education that the child needs special education or that the disability affects the or that the disability affects the education of the childeducation of the child

Biological factorsBiological factors

There are no definitive research There are no definitive research studies that point to a particular studies that point to a particular problem in the brain that can lead to problem in the brain that can lead to autism or Asperger’s Syndromeautism or Asperger’s Syndrome

Asperger Syndrome. Retrieved September 15, 2007, from KidsHealth website: Asperger Syndrome. Retrieved September 15, 2007, from KidsHealth website: http://www.kidshealth.orghttp://www.kidshealth.org

Family FactorsFamily Factors

Asperger’s Syndrome is not related Asperger’s Syndrome is not related to parenting practices or how a child to parenting practices or how a child is raised by his or her parentsis raised by his or her parents

Asperger Syndrome. Retrieved September 15, 2007, from KidsHealth website: Asperger Syndrome. Retrieved September 15, 2007, from KidsHealth website: http://www.kidshealth.orghttp://www.kidshealth.org

Don’t try this at home (or Don’t try this at home (or school)!school)!

Don’t use humor, sarcasm or idioms Don’t use humor, sarcasm or idioms without explaining what you meanwithout explaining what you mean

Don’t ignore the student’s complaints, Don’t ignore the student’s complaints, no matter how menial they seem to youno matter how menial they seem to you

Don’t randomly change the child’s Don’t randomly change the child’s schedule, routine or rituals without schedule, routine or rituals without previous notice to the childprevious notice to the child

Don’t confront the child in a public Don’t confront the child in a public settingsetting

Don’t ignore or minimize the signs and Don’t ignore or minimize the signs and symptoms … Ignoring negative symptoms … Ignoring negative behavior doesn’t make it go away!behavior doesn’t make it go away!

Now what?Now what?

Now that you’ve figured out what Now that you’ve figured out what not not to do, let’s unpack those tools that to do, let’s unpack those tools that will help you in your classroom …will help you in your classroom …

How do I help my students?How do I help my students?

There are 5 domains that need to be There are 5 domains that need to be addressed. They include addressed. They include

communication skills, social communication skills, social interaction skills, sensory skills, interaction skills, sensory skills,

behavior skills and academic skillsbehavior skills and academic skills

Communication SkillsCommunication Skills

What does the problem look like?What does the problem look like? Difficulty asking for help or figuring out Difficulty asking for help or figuring out

what the task iswhat the task is Easily confused by complex directionsEasily confused by complex directions Talking at the same time as othersTalking at the same time as others Making statements that seem “out of Making statements that seem “out of

the blue”the blue” Saying things that seem disrespectful, Saying things that seem disrespectful,

inappropriate or argumentativeinappropriate or argumentative

Asperger’s Syndrome. Retrieved September 22, 2007, from Asperger’s Trips website: Asperger’s Syndrome. Retrieved September 22, 2007, from Asperger’s Trips website: http://www.aspergertips.comhttp://www.aspergertips.com

Communication SkillsCommunication Skills How do I help?How do I help?

Break complex directions down into Break complex directions down into “smaller pieces”“smaller pieces”

Repeat instructions, being careful not to Repeat instructions, being careful not to rephrase because the student may be rephrase because the student may be processing your first requestprocessing your first request

Make clear, precise statementsMake clear, precise statements Explain sarcasm, metaphors, idioms and Explain sarcasm, metaphors, idioms and

words with a double meaningwords with a double meaning Help the student find a phrase or signal for Help the student find a phrase or signal for

when he or she does not understand when he or she does not understand directionsdirections

Asperger’s Syndrome. Retrieved September 22, 2007, from Asperger’s Trips website: Asperger’s Syndrome. Retrieved September 22, 2007, from Asperger’s Trips website: http://www.aspergertips.comhttp://www.aspergertips.com

Social Interaction SkillsSocial Interaction Skills What does the problem look like?What does the problem look like?

Inability to read facial cues or body Inability to read facial cues or body languagelanguage

Unable pick up on verbal and non-verbal Unable pick up on verbal and non-verbal social cuessocial cues

Difficulty making small talk or Difficulty making small talk or conversationconversation

Trouble understanding emotions of Trouble understanding emotions of themselves and othersthemselves and others

Asperger’s Syndrome. Retrieved September 22, 2007, from Asperger’s Trips website: Asperger’s Syndrome. Retrieved September 22, 2007, from Asperger’s Trips website: http://www.aspergertips.comhttp://www.aspergertips.com

Social Interaction SkillsSocial Interaction Skills

How do I help?How do I help? Protect the student from bullying and teasingProtect the student from bullying and teasing Pair the student with a buddy who can act as Pair the student with a buddy who can act as

a “social mentor”a “social mentor” Know the difference when he is isolated by Know the difference when he is isolated by

choice and when he is isolated because peers choice and when he is isolated because peers won’t include himwon’t include him

Explain Asperger’s Syndrome to classmatesExplain Asperger’s Syndrome to classmates Help the student understand the use of humorHelp the student understand the use of humor

Asperger’s Syndrome. Retrieved September 22, 2007, from Asperger’s Trips website: Asperger’s Syndrome. Retrieved September 22, 2007, from Asperger’s Trips website: http://www.aspergertips.comhttp://www.aspergertips.com

Sensory SkillsSensory Skills What does the problem look like?What does the problem look like?

Increased sensitivity to sound, light, Increased sensitivity to sound, light, taste, touch and smelltaste, touch and smell

A student with AS is prone to notice the A student with AS is prone to notice the tapping of a pencil or the humming of the tapping of a pencil or the humming of the overhead fluorescent lightoverhead fluorescent light

Sensitivities may make her anxious, Sensitivities may make her anxious, stressed or over-reactstressed or over-react

Difficulty staying focused because of Difficulty staying focused because of sensitivitiessensitivities

The need to deal with the sensitivity The need to deal with the sensitivity quickly because she may get quickly because she may get overwhelmed and over-react overwhelmed and over-react Asperger’s Syndrome. Retrieved September 22, 2007, from Asperger’s Trips website: Asperger’s Syndrome. Retrieved September 22, 2007, from Asperger’s Trips website:

http://www.aspergertips.comhttp://www.aspergertips.com

Sensory SkillsSensory Skills How do I help?How do I help?

Predict sensory/environmental changes and Predict sensory/environmental changes and make the student aware of them before they make the student aware of them before they occur, giving him or her a chance to prepare occur, giving him or her a chance to prepare and adjustand adjust

Provide a personal, quiet space for the student Provide a personal, quiet space for the student to relax and collect his or her thoughtsto relax and collect his or her thoughts

Allow the student to have a calming item to Allow the student to have a calming item to use when experiencing sensory issues (i.e. a use when experiencing sensory issues (i.e. a stress ball, worry rock, etc)stress ball, worry rock, etc)

Asperger’s Syndrome. Retrieved September 22, 2007, from Asperger’s Trips website: Asperger’s Syndrome. Retrieved September 22, 2007, from Asperger’s Trips website: http://www.aspergertips.comhttp://www.aspergertips.com

Behavior SkillsBehavior Skills What does the problem look like?What does the problem look like?

EgocentricEgocentric Easily annoyed, agitated and impatientEasily annoyed, agitated and impatient Tendency to state exactly what is on his Tendency to state exactly what is on his

mindmind Mood swings – withdrawn and unable to Mood swings – withdrawn and unable to

engage at times, and hyper at other timesengage at times, and hyper at other times A perfectionist – really hard on himself or A perfectionist – really hard on himself or

others when a mistake is madeothers when a mistake is made Inclination to get “stuck” thinking about a Inclination to get “stuck” thinking about a

problem or special interestproblem or special interestAsperger’s Syndrome. Retrieved September 22, 2007, from Asperger’s Trips website: Asperger’s Syndrome. Retrieved September 22, 2007, from Asperger’s Trips website:

http://www.aspergertips.comhttp://www.aspergertips.com

Behavior SkillsBehavior Skills

How do I help?How do I help? Model acceptance of the student for her peersModel acceptance of the student for her peers Don’t take the student’s comments personallyDon’t take the student’s comments personally Use the student’s special interest to engage Use the student’s special interest to engage

her in conversation or class discussionher in conversation or class discussion Be consistent and clear in your expectationsBe consistent and clear in your expectations Teach the student replacement behaviors for Teach the student replacement behaviors for

when she is frustrated, angry or anxiouswhen she is frustrated, angry or anxious

Asperger’s Syndrome. Retrieved September 22, 2007, from Asperger’s Trips website: Asperger’s Syndrome. Retrieved September 22, 2007, from Asperger’s Trips website: http://www.aspergertips.comhttp://www.aspergertips.com

Academic SkillsAcademic Skills What does the problem look like?What does the problem look like?

Strong in concrete subjects such as math Strong in concrete subjects such as math and science, while weak in abstract areas and science, while weak in abstract areas such as language artssuch as language arts

Unable to find the “main idea”, because Unable to find the “main idea”, because everything is important to himeverything is important to him

Avoiding a certain subject he is Avoiding a certain subject he is uncomfortable with or uncertain ofuncomfortable with or uncertain of

Over-stimulated by lengthy activitiesOver-stimulated by lengthy activities

Asperger’s Syndrome. Retrieved September 22, 2007, from Asperger’s Trips website: Asperger’s Syndrome. Retrieved September 22, 2007, from Asperger’s Trips website: http://www.aspergertips.comhttp://www.aspergertips.com

Academic SkillsAcademic Skills How do I help?How do I help?

Be calm, matter-of-fact and predictable Be calm, matter-of-fact and predictable when teachingwhen teaching

Give materials/directions orally and Give materials/directions orally and visuallyvisually

Use concrete examples when teachingUse concrete examples when teaching Use predictable classroom routines, rules Use predictable classroom routines, rules

and expectationsand expectations Provide frequent, positive feedbackProvide frequent, positive feedback

Asperger’s Syndrome. Retrieved September 22, 2007, Asperger’s Syndrome. Retrieved September 22, 2007, from Asperger’s Trips website: from Asperger’s Trips website: http://www.aspergertips.comhttp://www.aspergertips.com

Case Study Part 2Case Study Part 2

Break into groups of 3-4. Each group Break into groups of 3-4. Each group will be assigned a learning domain. will be assigned a learning domain.

Use only your assigned learning Use only your assigned learning domain to analyze the case study, find domain to analyze the case study, find

the “issue” that pertains to your the “issue” that pertains to your learning domain and write some ways learning domain and write some ways that Mrs. Gale can effectively handle that Mrs. Gale can effectively handle the situation based on the domains the situation based on the domains

that were discussed.that were discussed.

What can I do for parents?What can I do for parents?

Check out the brochure and reading Check out the brochure and reading list in your study guide packet … list in your study guide packet … they are great resources to pass they are great resources to pass

along to parents who have a child along to parents who have a child with Asperger’s Syndrome!with Asperger’s Syndrome!

Where can I find more help Where can I find more help in Pittsburgh?in Pittsburgh?

The Watson InstituteThe Watson Institute

301 Camp Meeting Road301 Camp Meeting Road

Sewickley, PA 15143Sewickley, PA 15143

(412) 741-1800(412) 741-1800

www.thewatsoninstitute.orgwww.thewatsoninstitute.org

Western Psychiatric Institute and ClinicWestern Psychiatric Institute and Clinic

3811 O’Hara Street3811 O’Hara Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15213Pittsburgh, PA 15213

(412)624-2000(412)624-2000

www.wpic.upmc.comwww.wpic.upmc.com

Where can I find more Where can I find more help?help?

MAAP Services for Autism, Asperger’s and PDDMAAP Services for Autism, Asperger’s and PDDP.O. Box 524P.O. Box 524

Crown Point, IN 46308Crown Point, IN 46308(219)662-1311(219)662-1311

www.maapservices.orgwww.maapservices.org

Autism Network International (ANI)Autism Network International (ANI)P.O. Box 35448P.O. Box 35448

Syracuse, NY 13235-5448Syracuse, NY 13235-5448http://ani.autistics.orghttp://ani.autistics.org

Autism Society of AmericaAutism Society of America7910 Woodmont Avenue7910 Woodmont Avenue

Suite 300Suite 300Bethesda, MD 20814-3067Bethesda, MD 20814-3067

800-3AUTISM800-3AUTISMwww.autism-society.orgwww.autism-society.org

Where can I find more Where can I find more information?information?

www.mental-health-www.mental-health-resources.comresources.com

www.autismhelp.infowww.autismhelp.info

www.aspergertips.comwww.aspergertips.com

www.aspergersyndrome.orgwww.aspergersyndrome.org

www.autism.orgwww.autism.org

www.specialfamilies.comwww.specialfamilies.com

www.kidshealth.orgwww.kidshealth.org

ReferencesReferencesAsperger’s Syndrome. Retrieved September 22, 2007, from Asperger’s Syndrome. Retrieved September 22, 2007, from

Autism Speaks website: Autism Speaks website: http://www.autismspeaks.org/navigating/index.phphttp://www.autismspeaks.org/navigating/index.php

Asperger’s Syndrome. Retrieved September 22, 2007, from Asperger’s Syndrome. Retrieved September 22, 2007, from Asperger’s Trips website: http://www.aspergertips.comAsperger’s Trips website: http://www.aspergertips.com

Asperger Syndrome. Retrieved September 15, 2007, from Asperger Syndrome. Retrieved September 15, 2007, from KidsHealth website: http://www.kidshealth.orgKidsHealth website: http://www.kidshealth.org

Asperger Syndrome Fact Sheet. Retrieved September 22, Asperger Syndrome Fact Sheet. Retrieved September 22, 2007, from National Institute of Neurological Disorders 2007, from National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website: and Stroke website: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/aspergerhttp://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/asperger

Photos retrieved September 25, 2007, from Stock Exchange Photos retrieved September 25, 2007, from Stock Exchange website: www.xsc.hu/website: www.xsc.hu/

What is Asperger’s Syndrome? Retrieved September 15, What is Asperger’s Syndrome? Retrieved September 15, 2007, from Tony Attwood website: 2007, from Tony Attwood website: http://www.tonyattwood.com/au/ad.htmlhttp://www.tonyattwood.com/au/ad.html

For More InformationFor More InformationContact:Contact:

Jessica YamnitzkyJessica Yamnitzky

jly11@pitt.edujly11@pitt.eduGraduate Student, University of PittsburghGraduate Student, University of Pittsburgh

School of EducationSchool of Education

Applied Developmental PsychologyApplied Developmental Psychology