Faculty Fact Sheet - Asperger's Syndrome
Definition
“A neurological disorder that affects one’s ability to understand and respond to other’s thoughts and feelings.” (Attwood)
The Syndrome is the high end of the Autism spectrum, often referred to as High Functioning Autism.
Typical Symptons
- Poor eye contact
- Inappropriate social interaction
- Unusually strong narrow interests
- Above average to superior intellect
- Lacks voice intonation
- Impulsive
- Very literal and concrete thinking patterns
Classroom Behaviors
Students may:
- Attempt to monopolize conversation
- Become tangential in answering questions
- Exhibit distracting behavior in long classes
- Engage in self-stimulating behavior (rocking, tapping, playing with “stress toys”)
- Be argumentative
Strategies
- Breaks during class, particularly for movement
- Redirect responses to bring student to point of answer