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