January 16, 2002
Educators discuss strategies for Asperger Syndrome
See also: NYSUT Health and Safety Resource Center
There's an increasing number of diagnoses made for mild form of autism
Asperger Syndrome, a mild form of autism being diagnosed in more school-age children than ever before, has many educators swapping ideas on ways to help these children.
Debbie Savacool, a member of the United Liverpool Faculty Association, was one of many concerned educators at a workshop held in Syracuse last fall. An occupational therapist, Savacool said Asperger symptoms can be hard to read. "You have to understand (the syndrome) in order to deal with it," she said.
Cindy Mattoon of the Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES also attended the workshop. Mattoon works with children diagnosed with the syndrome, following the students through their school days, customizing strategies to fit their needs, and working with school staff on implementation. Specific strategies "work so well - for the child, for the family, for everybody," said Mattoon.
Some tips include:
- Teaching social skills such as stress management, along with planning and prioritizing school work.
- Homework, when necessary, should not be stressful to the child.
- Anxiety spikes for Asperger students at the school year's start and end, when educators can be particularly helpful.
An estimated one in every 250 children has Asperger Syndrome, virtually unrecognized 10 years ago. Many individuals with Asperger Syndrome have difficulties reading social cues, discerning body space, organizing time and materials, and processing sounds, tastes, smells and sights others may not find bothersome. More boys than girls are afflicted with Asperger.
A neurobiological disorder of unknown origin, the syndrome is named after Austrian physician Hans Asperger. In 1944, he described a pattern of behaviors in boys whose normal intelligence and language development was accompanied by autistic-like behaviors.
School districts should provide needed training on this syndrome for teachers and paraprofessionals, said Antonia Cortese, first vice president of New York State United Teachers.
For more information about the syndrome, visit the Asperger Syndrome Coalition of the U.S. on-line at www.asperger.org.
- Mary Catt
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