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Asperger Syndrome

Guide to Asperger Syndrome

Asperger Syndrome (AS) is a common pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) that negatively affects an individual’s ability to interact socially. It is also common for those affected by this disorder to present repeated or restricted patterns of behavior. Typically, an individual with AS will maintain mental and linguistic development which makes the disorder distinct from other developmental disorders such as autism. The following resources provided should allow you to become informed of the disorder, explain common symptoms experienced, and instruct you how to successfully educate an individual with AS. This list of links includes research on many subjects related to PDDs as well as services available to help families and individuals.

What is Asperger Syndrome?

  • This website explains what the DSM is, and how diagnostic criteria are determined.
  • Juxtapose the DSM criteria for AS with other Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDDs).
  • Visit the OASIS@MAAP website. Online Asperger Information and Support (OASIS) offers many resources on the subject of AS, and includes information detailing the disorder. After merging with MAAP, this website acts as a united effort to educate people about AS.
  • More information regarding Asperger Syndrome – The Yale Child Study Center provides a helpful FAQ regarding PDDs and AS. Additionally, this website provides articles defining AS and detailing other PDDs.
    The Yale Child Study Center website also includes a list of helpful resources available for those who need support.

What are the first indications of Asperger Syndrome?

  • A national non-profit group, First Signs, Inc. is focused on educating individuals about some of the warning signs of autism and other PDDs.
  • The Autism Society of America’s website dedicated to Asperger Syndrome. This website explains symptoms, diagnostic criteria, causes, and statistics surrounding AS.
  • Website containing a vast amount of information on Asperger Syndrome. Designed as a guide for parents, professionals and those in proximity to sufferers of Aspergers, this website provides articles and studies related to PDDs. Tony Attwood is an influential member of the Asperger field, and has written several books on the subject.
  • Another informative source regarding Asperger Syndrome. Specifically constructed by parents interested in autism and other pervasive developmental disorders, this website discusses effective educating methods as well as logistical information regarding the care of children with PDDs.

Research Information About Asperger’s

  • The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke homepage.
  • The NINDS Asperger page provides a brief overview of AS, while housing many helpful links to organizations involved in the PDD field. The website also details some clinical trials aimed at better understanding the causes and possible treatments of Asperger Syndrome.
  • The OASIS@MAAP site remains a good site for researching AS. Up to date research projects and access to other national research organizations can be found in the “Research Projects” section.
  • Yale Child Study Center Provides information on research regarding diagnosis, therapy, Neuroscience, Genetics, and Immunology and Virology.
  • Research on autism may prove helpful for better understanding Asperger Syndrome.
  • Although autism is not quite the same as AS, the research carried out on this disorder is closely related. Findings on autism, or possibly procedures used to research autism, could be relevant to treating AS.
  • National Institute of Mental Health
  • National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR)
  • Child Development Institute
  • Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT)
  • A source directed towards parents.This source helps parents understand legitimate research and information regarding autism. Furthermore, this website explains the scientific model, and how to evaluate sources and studies.
  • Tony Attwood’s website provides a great deal of research.

Organizations That Can Offer Assistance

The organizations mentioned above for their research also offer many resources that provide assistance and services to those affected by PDDs. Some of the following organizations primarily focus on autism, but remain relevant as Asperger Syndrome is related to autism.

  • Oasis@MAAP
  • Asperger’s Connection.
  • This website provides a real time platform for those affected by Asperger Syndrome to interact and share their experiences. In addition to helping parents and families, professionals can also learn from these shared experiences.
  • Yale Developmental Disabilities Clinic.
  • The Yale Developmental Disabilities Clinic provides a multidisciplinary approach to evaluating children with PDDs. Primarily, they are concerned with the diagnosis and intervention of these disorders.

Autism related groups:

Educating Students With Asperger Syndrome

  • Explains the educational issues surrounding teaching those with AS. The appropriateness of different methods is discussed here.
  • OASIS provides a specially designed checklist for educators. The checklist provides specific instruction and detail for those interested in educating children affected by PDDs.
  • A guideline for teachers regarding students with Asperger Syndrome. This article explains how to best educate students with AS.
  • An array of information regarding IEPs and educational rights.
  • Tips for Teaching High-Functioning People with Autism.
  • An article aimed at understanding higher functioning individuals affected by autism. This article describes how High-Functioning people with autism understand the world around them.
  • Students with Aspergers Syndrome: Tips for Teachers and Parents.
    A short list of tips on how to interpret and react to students/children with AS.
  • Educating Children with Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders.
  • Provides educational resources and services for children with Developmental Disorders. The PDU also provides customized instruction on how to teach those with PDDs.