Asperger's Disorder

[MaryL]

Is anyone familiar with this form of mild autism? I suspect a child in my class may have this...and am looking for info. I have links on the web, but wondered if this topic had been covered here?

[kat]

Asperger's Syndrome is not really a "mild case of autism". In the continuing spectrum of autism, those with AS are considered very high functioning, yet they still live in the world their own way, unlike the low functioning autistics who live in their own worlds. They can appear to be quite "normal".

There are some defining characteristics of someone with AS: an insistence on sameness (easily overwhelmed by even small changes); inability to interact socially (lack the undrstanding of the rules for social interaction, don't like physical contact, use of a monotone speaking voice, can not initiate and/or sustain conversation); limited range of interests (preoccupations, obsessions); have poor concentration (often off task, distracted, disorganized, can't figure our what is really relevant, dificulty learning in a group situation); poor motor coordination (fine and gross); academic difficulties (usually avg. to above avg. intelligence but lack high level thinking and comprehension skills, their thinking is very literal and concrete. They may sound like they understand, but they are just "parroting" what they have heard - they have excellent rote memory. Poor problem solving skill.);
emotionally vulnerable (lack the emotional resources to cope with demands of a classroom, easily stressed because of inflexiblility. rage reaction, temper outbursts)

Does this sound like one in your class? Not sure this is what you were asking for.

Autism is very interesting to deal with. You have to be positive, creative and flexible. Good luck.

[MaryL]

Thanks Kat! You know, I'm not in a position to "diagnose"...but there is something just not quite right about this little boy. He is very distracted. Still hasn't mastered walking in a line (in the hall, for example) although we do it many times each day. His parents acknowledge his difficulties...but always have an answer for them. (He's an only child...we've always done everything for him...he's never walked in a line of children before, etc.) He does have significant delays in motor skills, fine and gross, and goes to "vision therapy" to try to fine tune them. I think that is a good start, but wish his parents would agree to an M-team so that a more wide range group of professionals could evaluate him. His parents are just sure that he will "catch" up and be perfectly fine in 1st grade...but I'm very concerned. I've expressed my concerns all year long. They don't want to see what I see. He has a lot of the characteristics of Asperger's....but how do I tell them to look into it???? They are so reluctant to do any further testing. This poor child "spaces" out frequently, gets off task, can't find his "assigned" table (this has never changed!), has an excellent vocabulary...but often talks off the topic. He is bright...can read sight words, knows the alphabet, numbers, etc....but as your description says, "Higher level thinking is difficult.". He has made friends...but they are extremely tolerant, and I think see his "differences" and are just accepting. We are a private parochial school, so we don't have school psychologists, social workers, speech and language people, spec. ed., people on site to help me. I need to refer the parents to our local public school, and that is where the M-Team is done. That is fine, and I'm all for mainstreaming....but I feel that we are all "guessing" on the child's abilities when we don't have an actual "diagnosis". Does this make sense????? You know how frustrating it can be to "see" what the parents refuse to! Thanks for the info!!!!!!! It's always appreciated!!!! ~Mary

[kat]

MaryL,

I know it's tough when you suspect something a parent doesn't want to see. His being an only child complicates things because they don't have another comparison. Have you mentioned autism to them specifically? I wish I knew how to help more. I always rely heavily on our school counselor for help with such delicate issues. What does your principal say? Can you get someone from the local school to come and informally observe? Do you participate in a cooperative that might have someone to come observe?

I know parents don't want to "label" a child because of the negative connotation, but I think it is so necessisary if the school is to properly serve the child. The swing today is for total inclusion in the regular classroom with support services. The child can't get the support services needed though without a diagnosis.

About his walking in line in the hall - Does he hold onto the wall? Or have to at least touch it? Autistic children have trouble determining the position of their body "in space" and often need to touch the wall. Also I found that they need to be either first or last, because other children around them can be troublesome for them if they have sensory defensiveness.

[MaryL]

Sure, I can easily have the public school people come in and observe him...but I need parent permission. That's what I've been trying to get from them. I have a conference with his parents on Thursday, and my principal and P.E. teacher will be involved. His parents are bringing a "vision therapist" that their son is working with. I think the Vision Therapy is an excellent idea....just wish they would agree to a full evaluation so that we can get a complete diagnosis. I haven't mentioned my suspicion of autism to them. (gulp!) I'm probably going to suggest getting it investigated when we meet this week. He doesn't hold onto the wall when he walks in the hall...he's very distracted...maybe that would help. The parents keep saying that he doesn't need special treatment...however, whenever there is an issue, they insist that I treat their child differently. (Kind of like, "Well, you know our son has trouble with (some skill), and he shouldn't be expected to do well at this time." Ok...well without any diagnosis or an IEP, how do I know how to modify this kid's work or environment????) I have the full support of the Principal and also the other faculty members that work with this child. Everyone in our school realizes that he's a little different...but no one can put their finger on why. Luckily, he is absolutely no behavior problem, and really a sweet boy. I just want to help him out. Thanks for your advice, and for letting me bounce my "suspicions" off of you. I'll let you know what happens.

[MaryL]

Yikes, Kat! You should've been in on this conference! Wow! The Vision Therapist was very nice...but convinced that all of his problems (and all kids with ADHD. Autism, etc) are due to Visual Motor Delays. Well, possibly. But.....why don't we have a more complete evaluation to find out! Hmmm...that didn't go over well. I think the Mom only wants to hear good things, and while I am an incredibly positive person, I have a professional obligation to notify her of my concerns...which are many! (This poor family had 6 miscarriages...then this child...then 8 more miscarriages (or something like that). They are trying to adopt.) I really do understand her love for this child...but she isn't seeing what is so plain to all of the rest of us. The conference ended with her in tears...making untrue accusations about another teacher...and her threatening not to send her child back to our school next Fall. I do not know if she will go for further testing, and the Vision Therapist was not against the testing. (I was under the impression that the Vision Person was telling the parents that further testing would not be helpful...but after meeting her, that just isn't the case.) It was a LONG and FRUSTRATING conference. I felt totally drained...and saddened. I mentioned the possibility of Asperger's...just briefly...but don't expect that to be looked into. I tried to tell the Mom that I am only looking out for her ds' best interest and future success (and happiness) in school. Hope she took that to heart!

Thanks again for letting me vent!!!! I knew you'd understand and probably have been in these situations. Conferences are usually so interesting and peaceful....that's the way I like them!!!!

~Mary

[kat]

MaryL,

Sorry things weren't more productive for you. I thought about you yesterday. I've been in some pretty hairy conferences in my time. It is a shame when parents don't want to see what is more clear to those of us who have more chances to observe children over time. You can only do what you think is best, ultimately the choices are up to the parent to make. Who knows, she may already suspect, but just not be willing to accept it yet.

What is really a shame is that as regular classroom teachers we are not fully trained to deal with these kids the way special education teachers, occupational and physical therapists are. I don't know about you, but I only took an overview class called the Psychology of the Exceptional Child. I know when something isn't right, but may not know much more unless I've dealt with it personally with a mainstreamed child. Believe me, I've taken some crash courses and searched the internet to help me help these kids. I am one of the few at my school who is willing to accept these kids. Sad to say that most of my "co-hearts" don't like mainstreaming. I certainly understand why - we are not trained enough and it's alot of work.

I'm sure mom was just overwhelmed. Given time she may come around, especially if his current treatment isn't producing results. Hope she wasn't upset with you. I've been it all. To some, I'm the best thing since the wheel; to others, I'm the scum of the earth. You can only take care of the possible and trust God with the impossible.

Have a better week next week. Thanks for letting me know how things went.