1. Consulting Project Autism and Asperger’s
ED 243
Chris Henderson

2. Which one of these children have Autism/Asperger’s?

3. Answer?
Perhaps all or none of these children have Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome
From external observation it is almost impossible to tell if a person has Autism or Asperger's
The only way to tell if some has Asperger’s or Autism is through social interaction.

4. Autism
Definition: Autism is a developmental disorder that appears in the first 3 years of life, and affects the brain's normal development of social and communication skills.

5. Asperger’s
Is an autism spectrum disorder that is categorized by difficulties in social interaction, and repetitive patterns of behaviors and interests. It differs from other autism spectrum disorders because those with the disability develop with normal to above average intelligence.

6. Autism Spectrum

7. Autism vs. Asperger’s
Children with Asperger’s usually have a normal IQ range.
Adapt instruction to social skills and needs
Children with Autism might have more cognitive delays
Adapt instruction to IQ range.

8. Symptoms of Autism/Asperger’s: in Social Interactions and Relationships
eye-to-eye gazing, facial expressions
Failure to establish friendships with children the same age
Reciprocity (i.e. sharing enjoyment, interests with others)
Lack of empathy

9. Symptoms of Autism/Asperger’s: in Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
Delays in speech
Problems in holding a conversation
Stereotyped and repetitive use of language
Miscommunication with others

10. Symptoms of Autism/Asperger’s: in Limited Interests in Activities or Play
An unusual focus on specific objects and topics
A need for sameness and routines.
Repetitive behaviors (ex: body rocking and hand flapping)

11. What to do when you see the signs?
Not easily detected at a young age
With assistance and age they become better with social skills

12. What is it like to have Asperger’s Disorder?
“Imagine if you were blindfolded and dropped in a foreign country with no map, guidebook, or dictionary. You can’t speak the language, the culture is unrecognizable, you struggle with the terrain, and yet you are expected to make a permanent home there.” AEIOU Foundation

13. Activity Culture test Volunteers
Those who volunteered go outside the classroom
Everyone else wait for directions

14. Strengths of Students with Autism and Asperger’s
Widespread factual information
Advance vocabulary in a specific topics
Particular memories/Pay attention to details
Work independently

15. Weaknesses Comprehension and abstract ideas
Difficulties adapting to change
Difficulty communicating and reciprocity
Experiences of anxiety
Poor organizational skills

16. Instructional Strategies
You must know your student
Provide clear and detailed information on the assignments
Be consistent when giving assignments
Be patient

17. Other Informational Videos
Asperger’s Disorder Documentary
Part I

18. Sources
Frith, U. (1991). Autism and asperger syndrome. New York: Cambridge University Press. 
Grandin, T. (2004). Teaching tips for children and adults with autism (online). Centre for the Study of Autism. Available from: to-have-autis.
Indiana Resource Centre for Autism (2005). Autism training sourcebook. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University, Institute for the Study of Developmental Disabilities
Klin, A., and Volkmar, F.R., “Asperger’s Syndrome,” in Handbook of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders (2nd Ed.), 1997.
Myles, B. S., and Simpson, R. L., Asperger Syndrome: A Guide for Educators and Parents,1998.
Schopler, E., & Mesibov, G. V. (Eds.). (1992). High-functioning individuals with autism. New York: Plenum Press.
T. Attwood, Asperger’s Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals, 1998.