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 =__Asperger Syndrome__ =

__Definition and Diagnosis__ Asperger Syndrome (AS) is named after Dr Hans Asperger who first began to study the condition in 1944 when he noticed a number of children at his clinic displaying similar personality and behavioural characteristics. However, during his research he was unable to satisfactorily describe and explain the condition. With medical and psychological research Attwood (2007) describes AS as someone who perceives and thinks about the world differently to other people (p12). As a result individuals with AS demonstrate a lack of social understanding, such as verbal and nonverbal communication, and a limited ability to engage in reciprocal social conversations. Furthermore, these individuals also tend to have a deep and fixated interest in particular subjects. Individuals with AS are attributed to having an impaired Theory of Mind (ToM). This is the ability to attribute independent mental states to self and others to predict and to explain behaviour (Baker & Wekowitz, 2005, p11). As a result they do not have the ability to place themselves in the minds of other people and therefore are unable to understand the notion that other people have thoughts, feelings and perceptions.

In this video [|Peggy Haillday], Program Director for Outreach Services of the Virginia Institute of Autism, talks about Asperger Syndrome. media type="custom" key="3089684" width="250" height="166"

It is always better to diagnose Asperger Syndrome as early as possible because early diagnosis can lead to an appropriate intervention allowing the individual to improve social, life and cognitive skills. Early diagnosis can be from 2 to 3 years but it is always possible that some characteristics become more prevalent and noticeable years later depending on the individual (Attwood, 2007, p13). Currently there is debate as to whether or not to classify AS as high functioning autism or to classify it as its own separate disorder because of criterion disputes. Depending on diagnostics criteria 1 in 33000 or 1 in 1200 children have AS (Attwood, 2007, p45). However, most diagnoses will assess behaviour, cognitive abilities, language development, special problem areas and medical conditions. Many symptoms may not be noticeable in early years if intellectual and language abilities are in the normal range. This leads to difficulties in diagnosis as the average age for confirming a diagnosis of AS is 11.13 years old (Baker & Wekowitz, 2005, p48). There are many diagnosis methods, such as the [|Australian Scale for Asperger’s Syndrome], the //Autism Spectrum Disorders Screening Questionnaire//, the [|Asperger Syndrome Diagnostic Scale], the [|Gilliam Asperger’s Disorder Scale], the [|Childhood Asperger Syndrome Test] and the [|Autism-Spectrum Quotient]. Screening can be done using specific checklists and rating scales the focus on specific conditions. Parents and siblings of children with AS, more so fathers, are likely to share some personality characteristics as their child. Statistics show they are 46 percent likely to exhibit similar abilities and behaviours as the child with AS (Attwood, 2007, p21). Consequently, research suggests that AS is most likely linked to genetic or neurological factors, rather than environmental and psychological factors.

Discussed further are the educational implications of Asperger Syndrome and a number of teaching strategies to cater to the needs of the student with Asperger Syndrome.

More information on the Educational Implications of Asperger Syndrome. More information on Teaching Strategies of Asperger Syndrome. Complete Bibliography of resources.