1. Asperger’s Syndrome
Christopher Johnston

2. Definition
Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) is a developmental
disability that is defined by impairments in social
relationships, verbal and nonverbal communication,
and by restrictive, repetitive patterns of behaviors,
interests, and activities.

3. Background
 Identified in 1944 by Hans Asperger.
(Austria)
 Brought to the attention of the
English-speaking world in 1980 by Dr.
Lorna Wing.
 Was not added to the Diagnostic and
Statistics Manual of the American
Psychiatric Association until 1994.
 “Autism’s Shadow”

4. Causes
 There seems to be a hereditary component
 Environmental factors that affect brain
development might play a role
Not caused by:
 Emotional deprivation
 Bad parenting

5. Incidence Rates
 48 out every 10,000 children
(Kadesjo, Gillberg, & Nagberg, 1999)

6. Assessment Information
 Psychosocial evaluation
 when symptoms were first recognized
 development of motor skills and language
patterns
 other aspects of the child's personality and
behavior (including favorite activities, unusual
habits, preoccupations, etc.).
 past and present problems in social interaction
and development of friendships

7. Characteristics
 Marked delay in non-verbal behaviors
 Impairments in establishing peer relationships
 Delays in social reciprocity
 Preoccupation with one restricted area of interest
 Inflexibility or rigidity, sticking to a set, sometimes
non-functional routine; stereo-typed and repetitive
motor movements
 Preoccupation with parts of objects
 Peculiarities in speech

8. Instructional Ideas
 Be careful in classroom seating assignments
 Use the “peer buddy” system
 Avoid self-selection in group work
 Carefully consider the maturity of the group
members involved
 Provide “safe haven” or quiet area
 Explain metaphor and sarcasm use concretely
 Use “social stories” for providing directions
 Vigorously but respectfully maintain class rules and
other boundaries

9. Other treatments
 Parent education and training
 Social skills training
 Language therapy
 Sensory integration training for younger children,
usually performed by an occupational therapist, in
which a child is desensitized to stimuli to which he is
overly sensitive
 Psychotherapy or behavioral/cognitive therapy for
older children

10. Technology
 Visuals
 Graphics
 Models, manipulatives
 Computers
 The Internet

11. Resources
Adreo, D. & Stella, J. (2001). Transition to middle and high school: Increasing the
success of students with Asperger’s Syndrome. Intervention in School and
Clinic, 36(5), 266-271.
Barnill, G. P. (2001) What is Asperger’s Syndrome? Intervention in School and
Clinic, 36(5), 259-265.
Maag, J. W. & Katsiyannis, A. (2000). Recent legal and policy developments in
special education. NASSP Bulletin 84(613), 1-8.
Marks, S. U., et al. (1999). Social skills for social ills: Supporting the social skills
development of adolescents with Asperger’s Syndrome. Teaching Exceptional
Children, 32(2), 56-61.
Safron, J. S. (2002). Supporting students with Asperger’s Syndrome in general
education. Teaching Exceptional Children, 34(5), 60-66.

12. Resources continued
Attwood, T. (1998). Asperger’s Syndrome:A guide for parents and
professionals. Philadelphia, PA: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Ltd.