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Asperger’sUnderstanding a Misunderstood Disorder
NJ/PA ECET2 September 20th, 2015
byDr Joyce McGibbon
&Mr Ryan McGibbon
Asperger's Inside out
By: Ryan and Joyce McGibbon
What is Asperger’s Syndrome?
Autism Spectrum
Asperger’s syndrome
Autism
A diagram representing the autism spectrumA diagram representing the autism spectrum
High functioning autism
The effects of Asperger’s
Social Skills
For children who have Asperger's, it is hard to make and keep friends. It is also hard to work and play with other people.
Social SkillsSometimes it can be good to stand out from the crowd.
Social SkillsBut sometimes you just want to fit in!
Social Skills
Facial Expressions
Facial Expressions
Facial Expressions
Facial Expressions
Tones of voice
Tones of voice
What does this mean for the classroom teacher?
So, what does this mean for the classroom teacher?
All of these actions are explained by Asperger’s, but a few changes in your behavior can minimize the impact of their behavior on your class
Is the problem just Asperger’s?
Sensory issues
Mood disorders
ADHD
Motor issues - Tourette's, tics, dysgraphia
OCD
Processing issues
Asperger’s frequently goes hand in hand with other disorders
Sensory Issues
Be cognizant of sensory issues – very real issue often not taken seriously
Fluorescent lights
Labels in clothing
Sound sensitivity
Hypersensitive to smells.
Background noise
All can lead to sensory overload which can lead to behavior problems
Mood disorders
Take phobias seriously
Anxiety common
Transitioning
Unexpected changes result in difficult behavior
Coach through difficult situations.
Never forget that this is the result of anxiety and fear of the unknown, not bad behavior
Do not try to reason with them during a meltdown.
Depression common due to social isolation
Fear is the main emotion in those with autism.
Be understanding of seemingly irrational fears!!!
Children with Asperger’s frequently have mood disorders
Processing Issues
Auditory processing
Think about bad cell phone connection!
Improve communication by having them watch your mouth
Children with Asperger’s frequently have processing issues
Processing Issues
Visual processing issues
Experiment with colored paper (especially pastels), glasses with colored lenses), baseball cap to block glare of overhead lights, natural light, etc.
Use laptop or tablet not desktop
i-pad for typing
So what does all this mean?
Sensory disorders, mood disorders, focusing issues, and processing disorders all have to be overcome in order for learning to take place
So, just how are you supposed to do that?????
How to help AS students succeed
Explain yourself clearly. Be very specific
Avoid figurative language and sarcasm
Check in with your AS student as the class begins independent work to clarify that they understand your expectations
1. Clearly explain your expectations
How to help AS students succeed
Break down tasks into manageable steps
Provide written step-by-step directions or graphic organizers
Don’t ask them to listen and take notes
Provide class notes whenever possible.
2. Multitasking is very challenging for AS students
How to help AS students succeed
Assign partners or prearrange with sympathetic student
AS students seem bossy, they’re just trying to avoid unexpected changes
Model appropriate social interactions
Inform AS student if other kids are getting frustrated
3. Problems working with other people in the classroom
How to help AS students succeed
Students with AS very distractible
Have set routines especially for less structured times
Make necessary changes to avoid sensory issues causing a distraction
Is it always necessary to work as part of the group?
Secret signal to keep your AS student on task
4. Distractions
How to help AS students succeed
Students with AS are often exhausted by the end of the school day
Be prepared to modify written homework assignments if motor difficulties
Allow flexibility with homework assignments.
The skills the students master are what is important, the way in which they prove mastery can be flexible.
5. Problems with homework
How to help AS students succeed
Limited or no transfer of knowledge to new situations
Specifically teach same rules apply in other settings too
Share your successful strategies, consistency is key
Be patient! You may find yourself thinking, “I shouldn’t have to teach Johnny this at his age” Keep in mind that with Asperger's students, you do have to teach them basic behavioral rules as they do not pick up on them naturally like other children
6. Beyond your classroom
Routines
Personalized Rule Book
Alex Behavior Rules
1. I will be respectful to my teacher
Why: I should always treat others the way I want to be treated myself
Reward: Earn stickers
Consequence: One = Reminder plus apology
Two = No sticker plus written apology
Three = Call home
If necessary add section giving examples of respectful behavior
2. I will accept responsibility if I do something wrong
Why: I am in control of me, no one else is
Etc ……...
10 stickers = 5 minutes free time 20 stickers = prize box
What Can I Do to Help Myself
Anger ball Listen to Music
Deep breathing Doodles
Count backwards from 20 Imagery
Shapes Beary
NotecardsAnger BallSqueeze your anger ball. If you squeeze your anger into your ball, it can’t come
out of your mouth or fists Trace shapes
Choose a shape from the booklet and trace the shapes with your fingers.
Count Backwards from 20
Start at 20 and count backwards down to 1. If you still feel mad, start at 20 again but this time count backwards by 2’s
Etc …..
Sometimes the crazy ideas are the best!
Calm down jar
Rubber band pencil holder
Space Invaders
Explain your feelings
Soothe yourself with shaving foam (spelling words, math facts, or just to unwind)
Learn to juggle
Only calm can blow a bubble
How to help AS students succeed
In addition to being a teacher, you are also a
Social Coach
Behavior Therapist
Mediator
Advocate
Beacon of Hope
You are so much more than a teacher
Famous people suspected to have
Asperger'sJamie Hyneman (Mythbusters)
Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook founder)
Bill Gates
Michael Palin (Monty Python)
Satoshi Tajiri (creator of Pokémon)
Albert Einstein
Isaac Newton
Benjamin Franklin
George Washington
Abraham Lincoln
Leonardo da Vinci
Beethoven
Elvis
Shakespeare
And Many More…
Fictional people who show some signs of Asperger
Syndrome
•Michael Scott (played by Steve Carel in The Office)•Temperance “Bones” Brennan (in Bones)•Sheldon (played by Jim Parsons in Big Bang Theory)•Mr. Bean (played by Rowan Atkinson) •Basil Fawlty (played by John Cleese in Faulty Towers)
Can I tell you about Asperger Syndrome
If you would like to teach children in your class about Asperger’s and how they can help a student with AS to succeed, check out www.myfriendryan.org
There you will find an informative video for kids, and resources for teachers to build a supportive understanding community in their classroom.
Asperger's Inside out