Transcript Office of Disability Services Cleveland State University

Working with Students with
Asperger’s Syndrome
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A developmental disorder
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Part of the autism spectrum disorders
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Communication and socialization
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Impact on learning
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Often called “high functioning autism”
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“Normal” intellectual function
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Occurs more often in males than in females
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Generally identified during early childhood- over 3 years of age
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Motor milestones are delayed
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Clumsy in walking and movement
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Difficulty using fine finger movements
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Prefers to interact with older or younger individuals
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Often loner in social situations
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Inability to recognize body
language
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Communication focus on one or
two topics of interest
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Difficulty starting and
maintaining a conversation
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Internal thoughts are often
verbalized
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Voice lacks tone, pitch and
accent
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Lacks perspective-taking
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Difficulty understanding
sarcasm or humor
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Often engage in one-sided
conversations
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Inability to understanding and interpret rules
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Difficulty taking turns
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Lacks empathy
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Interests limited
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Doesn’t impact learning potential- average to above average intellect
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Often co-morbidity factors ADHD, Anxiety disorder ,Depression,
especially in adolescents, nonverbal learning disorder, Obsessivecompulsive disorder (OCD), and Social anxiety disorder
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Student may try to monopolize conversation
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Will have difficulty working on group projects
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May be insensitive or oblivious to other people’s points of view
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Motor weakness that can affect hand and finger strength
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Sleep disorders often causes drowsiness
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Medication side effects
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Inflexibility with schedule changes
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Very interested in technology
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High interest in math and engineering
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Detail orientated
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Average to above average intelligence
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Focus often isolated to one area of expertise
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Excel in computer programming and science
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Focus is on part to a whole, can identify weaknesses in an area
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Average to excellent memorization skills
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Aripiprazole (Abilify). This drug may be effective for treating
irritability related to Asperger's syndrome. Side effects may include
weight gain and an increase in blood sugar levels.
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Guanfacine (Intuniv). This medication may be helpful for the
problems of hyperactivity and inattention in children with Asperger's
syndrome. Side effects may include drowsiness, irritability, headache,
constipation and bedwetting.
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Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Drugs such as
fluvoxamine (Luvox) may be used to treat depression or to help control
repetitive behaviors. Possible side effects include restlessness and
agitation.
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Risperidone (Risperdal). This medication may be prescribed for
agitation and irritability. It may cause trouble sleeping, a runny nose and
an increased appetite. This drug has also been associated with an
increase in cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
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Note-taker if problem with hand and finger strength
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Tape record lectures
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Minimize group work if possible
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Scribe for exams, if needed for essays
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Dragon naturally speaking for exams
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No Scantron
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Allow to step out of class for brief periods
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Adolescence and acceptance/ pain of isolation
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Depression and medications
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Suicide rate higher than average
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Co-existing conditions
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Medications and alcohol/ recreational drugs
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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Isaac Newton
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Albert Einstein
Hans Christian Anderson
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Marie Curie
Michelangelo
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Thomas Jefferson
George Orwell
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Bill Gates
Beethoven
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Alfred Hitchcock
Thomas Edison
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All had symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome