1. WHAT IS ASPERGER’S SYNDROME? KIERAN MCGOVERN AND HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH IT?

2. WHAT IS ASPERGER’S SYNDROME? An Autistic Spectrum Disorder causing difficulties in three main areas: social communication social interaction social imagination

3. STARTING POINTS What is Autism? Asperger’s and Us Autism Act 2009 Asperger’s & the Autistic Spectrum Kids with Asperger’s My Asperger’sMy Asperger’s (adult)

4. WHAT IS AUTISM? Autism is a complex developmental disability. Affects ability to communicate and interact with others. Usually appears during the first three years of life. A “spectrum disorder” & affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. Estimated that one in every 150 American children has some degree of autism.

5. ASPERGER’S SYNDROME Asperger’s is a term used to describe the milder end of autistic spectrum. First identified by Hans Asperger in 1940s Identified cases shared defining features of Autism Key differences ‘speech less commonly delayed, motor deficits more common, later onset, only in boys.’ Also possible genetic link to father ‘High functioning’ and more treatable AS became a standard diagnosis in 1992, World Health Organization's diagnostic manual, International Classification of DiseasesWorld Health Organization's diagnostic manual, International Classification of Diseases

7. COMMON SYMPTOMS poor empathy; naive, inappropriate, one-sided social interaction little ability to form friendships social isolation pedantic and monotonic speech poor nonverbal communication absorption in narrow topics facts learned in rote fashion impression of eccentricity clumsy and ill-coordinated movements odd posture.

8. ‘People with Aspergers live on a physical level..emotions are invisible’ “If you've seen one Aspie, you've seen one Aspie,” “I am very empathic. I can …feel what everyone is feeling … The problem is that it all comes in faster than I can process it.” ‘I think in pictures’

9. THEORIES ‘intense world’? Theory of Mind (‘Mind Blindness’)? Neurobiological: Cortisol/Testosterone? Extreme Male Brain Theory? Difference not disability?

11. WHY IS NUMBER OF AS GROWING ? Misdiagnosis for general social difficulties? Rise of online ‘geek’ sub-culture? Genetics/Evolution Atomised society Previously ignored Classification problem Predilection for adults to self-diagnose.

12. THINGS TO CONSIDER AS is a broad description rather than an absolute formula. It is often an ‘invisible’ condition. Transition anxiety is a strong feature – even small changes in routine should be handled carefully. Some routine ‘body language’ may not be read correctly Try to be literal, logical and linear

13. THINGS TO THINK ABOUT Take care to speak in a calm, controlled voice. Try to eliminate extraneous noise where possible AS helps explain but does not excuse You can have a happy, productive life with AS. Teach but don’t preach about Asperger’s Syndrome

14. WORLD NEEDS ALL KINDS OF MINDS Temple Grandin was diagnosed with autism as a small child in the 1950s. Her astonishing achievements are an inspiration to everyone living with AS. The Autistic Mind