by Dawn Marcotte

Created on: November 10, 2009

Aspergers Syndrom is classified as high functioning Autism. Children with Aspergers are on the high end of the Autism spectrum, but it is a spectrum and each child will be affected differently. Symptoms such as difficulty with non-verbal communication, difficulty interacting with peers effectively, and some physical impairments can challenge the students ability to perform in a classroom. Teachers who are unfamiliar with Autism or Aspergers can contact the special education department in their school, utilize online resources or utilize research available from one of the organizations that specialize in Autism.

Educators who are unfamiliar with Aspergers can do research online for a general overview. Understanding that Aspergers is actually a single label for a variety of symptoms is a first step to working effectively with students. Many Aspergers students have ADD or ADHD. Some strategies for helping these students are as simple as using colored paper for written worksheets and written directions for tasks. Many books are available with strategies on working with children who have ADD or ADHD and these same strategies can be applied to children with Aspergers. Children with non-verbal learning disabilities require a different form of communication such as reminders to look at you when you are speaking or what tone of voice indicate. Work with the special education department to determine what specific skills are being targeted and what activites are most effective. Work with the special education department and the parents of any specific student to determine what their symptoms and needs may be. Each child is unique and will require different types of help.

Students with Aspergers may also have some physical impairments such as weak small motor skills or poor hand-eye coordination. Small motor skills impact writing skills and can be addressed with a number of adaptations for pencils and other writing instruments. There are several companies that specialize in providing adapations for children with special needs. Some of these adaptations include chewing toys as many asperger children have an oral component and may chew on inappropriate things, such as clothing or hair. Special chairs or weighted vests can help with sensory integration that can effect how well a child concentrates. Again work with parents to determine what the specific needs of the child may be and be flexible in what adapatations can be used in the classroom.

Aspergers is a complex syndrom and research is constantly expanding our knowlege. Early intervention is vital to address the specific behaviors and skills for each child. Autism Speaks or the Pacer Center are excellence resources for teachers and parents. Special education departments may have additional information on local resources for teachers.

Encourage Aspergers students to interact with peers whenever possible. Praciting skills they are learning is essential to integrate these skills. Many Aspergers students have a particular subject in which they are experts. Utilize this expertise whenever possible. If a child is interested in dinosaurs create math problems, science projects or social studies activies around this subject to inspire them to learn.

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