Understanding Asperger's Syndrome: Fast Facts

The purpose of this guide is to help educators (teachers and administrators) become acquainted with identifying and meeting the needs of the student with Asperger's Syndrome. Public school, while often difficult for typical students, can be a nightmare for those students with Asperger's Syndrome. Without information and training in this disability, teachers face confusion and frustration in light of the unusual behaviors and lack of social skills. Without training, students with Asperger's Syndrome are misidentified and often blamed for behaviors that are a direct result of their disability. It is hoped that this guide will lead teachers to a better understanding of Asperger's Syndrome and help the students with AS have a richer, more enjoyable educational experience.

Helpful sections include:

• What is Asperger’s Syndrome
• Teaching Students with Asperger’s Syndrome
• Social Impairment
• Behavioral Strategies
• Communication Impairment
• Sensory Impairment
• Instructional Strategies 
• Problem Solving
• Bullying of Asperger’s Students

When there is a child with Asperger's Syndrome in your life, questions about the disorder seem to abound. This booklet's easy-to-read layout makes it a quick reference for teachers or parents. It provides tips on how to recognize Asperger's Syndrome, and offers suggestions on how to create a successful learning environment. It addresses bullying, behavior modification, teaching strategies, and much more. This is an essential resource for parents and professionals!

Emily Burrows, Ed.S., is a seventh grade middle school teacher at Arnall Middle School in Newnan, Georgia. Mrs. Burrows is a veteran teacher, having taught in both Georgia and Kentucky. She has collaborated with resource teachers and has taught both students with autism and Asperger's Syndrome. Her research project for the Ed.S. Degree at West Georgia State University has given her further knowledge on meeting the classroom needs of the students with Asperger's Syndrome.

Sheila Wagner, M.Ed., received her undergraduate degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, and her graduate degree in Special Education from Georgia State University. Past experience in autism began at the Indiana Resource Center for Autism at Indiana University where she was an associate teacher, then demonstration teacher in the autism demonstration program and, later, an educational consultant to teachers and schools across the State of Indiana.

Currently, Ms. Wagner is an autism consultant, school consultant, teacher trainer, guest lecturer, and published author of numerous articles and books. She received the Autism Society of America’s Literary Award for the first book in her inclusion series, Inclusive Programming for Elementary Students with Autism, and was named ASA’s (Greater Georgia Chapter) Professional of the Year in 2002. Ms. Wagner lives in the Atlanta, Georgia area with her husband and son.