Tell me everything you know about Asperger's

I found out yesterday that one of the children in my class has borderline Asperger's (explains his unusual behavior the first few days). I learned about it in school but have never worked with a child who had it. I plan to read up but am so busy right now. I'd love to hear others' experiences and insights. TIA

Re: Tell me everything you know about Asperger's

I teach self contained special ed and have one student with Aspergers in my class. Even if you do find time to read up a ton, everyone with Aspergers (or any spectrum disorder) will manifest it in their own way.

With my student, he NEVER makes eye contact with me or anyone. Instead, he will either look down or up at the ceiling. He never initiates conversation. He's EXTREMELY socially withdrawn and has absolutely NO affect. He is also VERY negative (though I think that's just his personality) and he never wants to do anything. He also has a very hard time working in groups, he basically will sit and stare at the floor or walk around the room looking uncomfortable (when we are doing group work). When I try to redirect him, he will go sit with the group but will not contribute AT ALL. Also, when you are confronting him about something and he thinks he is in trouble, he will shake his leg incessantly (although that also is something that just may be his personality)

Like I said, everyone manifests it differently. My student has a severe form and is on a waiting list to go into a special program with kids on the autistic spectrum.

Good luck with your student I find a little lovin' goes a long way! For my student especially, he gets NONE of it at home WHATSOEVER!!!!!!! It's so sad (I have the same students as last year, which is why I already know so much about the case)

Feel free to FM anytime with questions!

Re: Tell me everything you know about Asperger's

I have a very good friend who is an specializes in Autism. If you would like I can FM you her information. I know she has been very helpful to me when dealing with and understanding it with students I have had over the years.

Re: Tell me everything you know about Asperger's

FM Liza (lipglossjunky13)- she has lots of experience as well as useful advice regarding working with kids who have Aspergers.

Re: Tell me everything you know about Asperger's

Children with Asperger's are on the autism spectrum but do not have any speech issues. They often have dificulty with pragmatic language (social cues and such). This can make them seem odd. They are often bright and able to learn but can have difficulties with comprehension especially inferencing. Also, they may do some stimming or have repetitive behaviors. Many children with Asperger's are in gen ed classes and are happy and a pleasure to have in class.

Like PennyCat said, every child is different. Is this child classified? Your school psychologist or special ed teacher should be able to help you out.

Re: Tell me everything you know about Asperger's

Re: Tell me everything you know about Asperger's

I've worked with students with aspergers. These students tend to relate better to adults. One of the students actually told me that he has no friends his age. I would make sure to get them involved in group work (particularly with very friendly/understanding students willing to work with him).

Re: Tell me everything you know about Asperger's

I had a student last year with aspergers. He was high functioning, but had lots of quirks. He was obsessed with the schedule, if I didn't have it up, or it was wrong he would FLIP OUT until I fixed it. He also did not like any changes in the schedule, for example if we had an assembly. He also had a real hard time with transitions. If he wasn't finished with his work and it was time for lunch or something, he would refuse to leave the classroom until he was done. Same thing happened when we had fire drills, he actually grabbed onto the table and won't leave!! Unfortunately his parents refused all services and I had to handle his behaviors all by myself, I learned to tell him way in advance if something was going to change in our schedule and I gave him a little clock so he would know exactly how long he had to finish his work. It was a very challenging year, but I learned a lot from working with him!! GL

ETA: He would also eat things, one day I saw him with our classroom sponge in his mouth He loved eating pencil erasers!!