1. ASPERGER'S AND ADHD BY JACK COSTELLO Meeee!

2. WHAT IS ASPERGER’S? Asperger syndrome, Asperger’s, whatever you want to call it, is a syndrome classified on the Autism Spectrum. It is characterised by significant difficulties with socialising and communication without words. However, unlike other entries on the spectrum, it preserves language and brain development. It is estimated to have affected 31 million people as of the Year of Luigi (2013). It is unknown why it happens, but it is most likely genetic.

3. WHAT IS ADHD (AY- DEE-HAYCH-DEE)? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a disorder that causes shifts in attention, bouts of hyperactivity, and inappropriate impulsiveness, among smaller things. This stems from significant difficulties with things like getting things done, reasoning, etc. It can affect sleep, perhaps explaining my current wake-up- at-5am spree! In fact, young ADHD sufferers are assessed for sleep problems.

4. THINGS THE SCHOOL DO TO HELP ME… My workstation! Feelings chart Voice level chart. A visual timetable. And yes, I do get free time on a good day. These days have increased as of late. I like to be pre-warned of what goes on of a day, and Mrs Walton lets me know what we will be doing first-thing.

5. CONTINUED… I have my own designated area where I can sit and eat my lunch peacefully but still feel included with everyone else and see what is happening around me. I have a few friends that I sit and talk to afterwards and I find having this area and this time settles me for the afternoon.

6. EVEN MORE… Both the Learning Mentors’ Room and playground are locations I can cool down in when I feel negative.

7. WHAT I DO TO HELP THE SCHOOL? I openly pre-warn new classes of my likes and dislikes. Meet every morning and let my TA know how I am feeling and if I’m not in a talkative mood use my emotions chart. We keep a home to school diary to monitor any mishaps to help us in preparation for a good day. I manage my emotions well and let my TA know if I need time out of the classroom to clear my thoughts and calm down. Thanks for reading! Any questions? Don’t hesitate to ask!