AEN Information Sheet Seven: Autism: Asperger’s Syndrome
Asperger Syndrome is a form of autism, a condition that affects the
way a person communicates and relates to others. A number of traits of autism are common to Asperger
syndrome including:
- difficulty in communicating
- difficulty in social relationships
- a lack of imagination and creative play
However,
people with Asperger syndrome usually have fewer problems with language than those with autism, often
speaking fluently, though their words can sometimes sound formal or stilted. People with Asperger syndrome
do not usually have the accompanying learning disabilities associated with autism; in fact, people with
Asperger syndrome are often of average of above average intelligence.
- Pupils with Asperger Syndrome may
- be socially isolated from peers by personal choice
- behave in a socially inappropriate way
- use formal, pedantic speech with an expressionless voice
- stick to routines
- experience difficulty transferring skills from one situation to another
- be clumsy
- have poor organisational skills
- have difficulty with written recording
- frequently not finish tasks
- exhibit obsessive compulsive behaviour
- have difficulty making friends
Practical
suggestions
- Break down tasks into smaller steps.
- Sequence activities.
- Identify the main idea in new information.
- Use prompts to enable the pupil to commence tasks.
- Check that the pupil understands what they have to do.
- Give one instruction at a time.
- Introduce choice in tasks gradually to develop decision-making skills.
- Show the pupil what is expected by demonstration.
- Use visual or pictorial clues to make a task clear and aid understanding.
- Be calm, positive and consistent with the pupil.
- Identify the pupil’s interests and likes and incorporate these into curriculum activities.
- Introduce any change gradually to the pupil.
Additional Educational Needs: