A Journey through Asperger’s Syndrome

By Marcela Scuadroni

Definition Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) is a developmental

disability that is defined by impairments in social

relationships, verbal and nonverbal communication,

and by restrictive, repetitive patterns of behaviors,

interests, and activities.

Background Identified in 1944 by Hans

Asperger. (Austria)

Brought to the attention of the English-speaking world in 1981 by Dr. Lorna Wing.

Was not added to the Diagnostic and Statistics Manual of the American Psychiatric Association until 1994.

Causes There seems to be a hereditary component Genetics (still a lot of research in Progress)

Family inheritance on father’s side

Not caused by:

Emotional deprivation

Bad parenting

Incidence Rates 48 out every 10,000 children

Predominantly in boys

Characteristics

Marked delay in non-verbal behaviors

Cannot read body language

Impairments in establishing peer relationships

Preoccupation with one restricted area of interest

Characteristics

Preoccupation with parts of objects

Peculiarities in speech

Very accurate memory for details

Sensitive to loud sounds, lights, odors

Characteristics No clinically significant language delay

Inflexibility or rigidity

Stereo-typed and repetitive motor movements

AS: An Invisible Disability “You’re so smart, why can’t you. . . “

“How can you be so clueless. . .”

“He’s bright but lazy. . . “

“She lives in her own world. . .”

Real Life Examples Impairment in communication

Literal use of language

Misses non-verbal cues (body language)

confused by expressions--”cat got your tongue”

confused by shades of meaning/ambiguity

Real Life Examples

Impairment in social interaction

difficulty negotiating with peers

anxiety in social (group) situations

wants friends but doesn’t know the ‘rules’

often an easy target for bullying

Real Life Examples Restricted repetitive and stereotyped

patterns of behavior, interests and activities

self stimulation activities such as rocking, spinning, arm flapping, etc.

intense all-consuming preoccupation with a narrow subject (trains, dinosaurs, TV characters).

intense need for routine and consistency with anxiety when routines are not followed.

Instructional Ideas Avoid self-selection in group work

Explain metaphor and sarcasm use concretely

Vigorously but respectfully maintain class rules

Manage challenging behavior

Establish routines

Establish clear expectations

Use visual supports (lists, calendars)

Visual Sequencing of Tasks GOOD MORNING

Written Schedules

Boys & Girls Club Schedule

M: check in, snack, gym hockey

T: check in, lunch, arts & crafts, chess

W: check in, snack, HW room

Th: check in, snack, open gym

F: check in, snack, painting, HW room

Written/drawn notification of change

Dear P.,

Remember that today I will be picking you up early from the B & G club at 3:30 for your dentist appointment. See you later!

Love,

Mom

Technology Visuals

Graphics

Computers

The Internet

Possible Treatment The earlier the better!

Psychosocial interventions Social training skills Any activity to help individuals learn to adjust to

social situations and act appropriately Camp, teen tours, group communication

NO CURE!

Other treatments Parent education and training

Language therapy

Psychotherapy or behavioral therapy for older children

Resources John Robison’s homepage

www.johnrobison.com

John Robison’s book:

Resources www.elpais.com.uy Un trastorno poco

conocido

www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus

www.paula.com.uy Planeta Asperger

www.tonyattwood.com