Asperger’s Syndrome: Foundations for Intervention
Course Description:
Asperger’s Syndrome is sometimes referred to as “high functioning autism”. Cognitive skills are at lest within the average range, language and social skills are impacted. Students will learn about the diagnostic process and how Asperger’s Syndrome differs from Autism. They will also be able to teach social understanding, expression of emotions, and friendship skills, as well as accommodate a student’s differences in language ability, coordination and sensory sensitivity. Topics in counseling students with Asperger’s Syndrome, preventing bullying and using the student’s special interests to their advantage will also be explored. The affects of Asperger’s Syndrome will be studied across the lifespan from childhood, adolescence and into adulthood. Educators will be able to adapt lessons across the curriculum and provide practical accommodations to their students with Asperger’s Syndrome to ensure successful integration in the mainstream classroom.
Goals and Objectives
As a result of participation in this course, students should:
- Plan and implement practical social, behavioral, neurodevelopmental, and educational interventions for elementary students.
- Intervene and advocate for students who are in the need of counseling services.
- Develop an appropriate sensory integration program for students with Asperger’s Syndrome.
- Develop social communication and pragmatics groups in the school setting to teach specific conversational and friendship skills.
- Understand the importance of a student’s special interests and how to use them to their advantage in the classroom.
Texts/Readings
The required text is:
Attwood, T. (2006). Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.