Autism

Asperger Syndrome: Educational Resources

Many children with Asperger Syndrome have such variability in their skill levels that planning an appropriate education can be a challenge for most school systems.

One of the simplest steps to take when putting together an education plan is to ensure that everyone on the team is in agreement about the child's skill profile. While this seems obvious, often the breakdown can come as early as this in the process. Secondly, assigning the resources that will allow the child to learn in the least restrictive placement is key. Most often a child with Asperger Syndrome has a day that is made up of a range of placements - the typical educational classroom, the typical educational classroom with support, pull-out for small group instruction, and pull-out to one-to-one instruction. The combination of these placements and what skills are taught in each is dependent upon the individual child.

But usually, one simple answer or placement is not complex enough to handle the diverse needs of a child with Asperger Syndrome.

Parents and school personnel may find the following resources helpful:

Developing an appropriate educational environment and individualized education plan (IEP):

Attwood, Tony. (1998). Asperger's Syndrome: A guide for parents and professionals. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, PA. (www.jkp.com)
Bolick, Teresa (2001). Asperger Syndrome and Adolescence: Helping preteens and teens get ready for the real world. Fair Winds Press, MA.
Kay, Kiesa (ed.) (2000). Uniquely Gifted: Identifying and Meeting the Needs of the Twice-Exceptional Student. Avocus Publishing, NH.
Smith Myles, Brenda and Adreon, Diana (2001). Practical Solutions for school success. Autism Asperger Publishing Co, Kansas.
Wagner, Sheila (1999). Inclusive Programming for Elementary Students with Autism, Future Horizons, Arlington, TX.
Wagner, Sheila (2002). Inclusive Programming for Middle School Students with Autism/Asperger's Syndrome. Future Horizons, Arlington, TX.

Developing social/emotional skills:

Baker, Jed (2003. Social Skills Training for Children and Adolescents with Asperger Syndrome and Social-Communication Problems. Autism Asperger Publishing Co., KS.
Goldstein, Arnold (1979). Skill-streaming the adolescent: A structured learning approach to teaching prosocial skills. Research PR Pub.
Moyes, Rebecca (2001). Incorporating Social Goals in the Classroom: A guide for teachers and parents of children with High-Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, PA.
Smith Myles, Brenda and Southwick, Jack. (1999). Asperger Syndrome and Difficult Moments: practical solutions for tantrums, rage and meltdowns. Autism Asperger Publishing Co, Kansas.

Other on-line resources for Asperger's Syndrome:

For more information:

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Last Reviewed: Mar 24, 2009

Jacqueline Wynn, PhD
Director, Intensive Behavioral Intervention Clinic
Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
Department of Pediatrics (Nationwide Children's Hospital)
College of Medicine
The Ohio State University