Asperger’s SyndromeBy Sherri BohneEDU 2010Salt Lake Community College

Asperger’s Syndrome or Disorder

• A type of pervasive development disorder (PDD)• Considered to be on the autism spectrum• High functioning autism, not affected by race,

region or socio-economic status.

• Psychiatrist from Vienna, Austria• 1944 behavior described as “autistic

psychopathy”• This pattern included a “lack of empathy, intense

absorption in a special interest, clumsy movements, little ability to form friendships and one-sided conversations.”• Opened a school for children with autistic

psychopathy• Exhibited features of the condition named after

him• Died in 1980 before his work was acknowledged

Hans Asperger

Asperger’s Syndrome

• Exact cause not known• Tends to run in families• Genetic disorder (passed from parent)• Frontal lobe and posterior cingulate gyrus

impaired

Symptoms• Problems with social

skills• Eccentric or repetitive behaviors• Unusual preoccupations• Can’t read people• Can’t understand humor• Monotone voice• Clumsy• ADHD• Sleep disorders

• Lack of eye contact• Few facial expressions• One sided long-winded conversations• Limited range of

interests• Communication

problems• No empathy• Skilled or talented in one area• Digestion problems

Treatments

• Abilify-treats irritability

• Luvox-treats depression

• Zyprexa-treats repetitive behaviors

• Risperdal-treats agitation

• Melatonin

• Ritalin-treats ADHD• Vitamin B-6• Magnesium• Vitamin C• Omega 3 fatty

acids• Gluten Free-Casein

Free Diets

Intervention Techniques• Structured education to meet child’s

needs• Behavior modification techniques• Speech, physical and occupational

therapy• Psychologists/Behavior Therapists• Family Therapy• Autism Schools• Parenting Classes

Resources for Families

Autism Assessment And Treatment CenterAutism Council of Utah

HOPE a Parent to Parent NetworkUtah Autism Research Program at U of U

Specialized Education Programming Services

Redwood Learning CenterCarmen Pingree School

Spectrum Academy

Asperger’s in General Education Classes

• Sensory Needs – Seat them away from distractions, avoid loud noises, give them calming objects or play soothing music.

• Hyper-focus – Let them show the class their area of expertise, help them envision their future and expand on their preferred subject.

• Poor Executive Function – Visual learners, may need graphic organizers and work charts to keep on task.

• Low Frustration Level – A time timer, have them run errands, write or draw about what frustrates them and give them little homework.

Coping and Support• Maintain a consistent schedule• Learn about your child and the disorder• Find a team of trusted professionals• Help others help your child• Help your child turn their obsession into

their passion• Find local support

Children’s Book

Games and ActivitiesRace to the Finish Line – Straws and

cheese ball race trackPlay with Slime – Borax, water, PVA and

food coloringMarble Race – Marble building set and

marbles

Reference PageAitken, K. J. (2009). Dietary Interventions in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Philadelphia, PA: Jessica Kingsley PublishersGriffin, S., Sandler D. (2010). Motivate to Communicate! 300 Games and Activities for Your Child with Autism. Philadelphia, PA: Jessica Kingsley PublishersMyles, B. S., Southwick, J. (2005). Asperger Syndrome and Difficult Moments. Shawnee Mission, Kansas: Autism Asperger Publishing CompanyWhitman, T. L., Dewitt, N. (2011). Key Learning Skills for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. London, England: Jessica Kingsley Publishers(November 18, 2010). Asperger’s Syndrome. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aspergers-syndrome/DS00551/