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What is Asperger syndrome (AS)?
People with Asperger syndrome have normal intelligence and language development,
but also have some autistic-like traits. They may have trouble with social
skills, sensory input, and making transitions, and may need rigid routines.
Their interests may be extremely focused on one topic, to the point that
it is like an obsession. Some experts believe AS is a "high-functioning
autism," and that it is like a non-verbal learning disability (NLD). See Your
Child: Non-verbal Learning Disabilities.
How can I find information and support?
Websites:
- YourChild: Non-verbal Learning
Disabilities
- YourChild: Siblings of
Kids with Special Needs
- The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
(NINDS) has a brief AS
information page.
- Asperger
syndrome on Kidshealth.org.
- The Yale
Child Study Center Developmental Disabilities Clinic has
useful guidelines for assessment
and diagnosis, and for treatment
and intervention.
- OASIS (Online AS Information
and Support) offers information, local and online support for
kids with AS and their parents, and a book store. You can also
find current research projects seeking participants with AS.
- Stanford University Autism
and Asperger Research Reports cover topic areas of diagnosis, therapy, neuroscience, genetic,
immunology, language, behavior and cognition.
-
The Asperger Syndrome Coalition
of the U.S. has joined with MAAP
Services (More advanced individuals with Autism, Asperger's syndrome,
and Pervasive developmental disorder) to provide information
to families. MAAP’s website provides contact information
for professional and parent supports in each state.
-
A guide
for teachers to understanding kids with AS.
-
Tony Attwood is a noted expert on Asperger syndrome. His
website contains many useful Asperger and social skills resources.
Books and videotapes for kids and parents about Asperger
syndrome:
- Asperger's, Huh?, by Rosina Schnurr.
A child's perspective on having Asperger syndrome—written
for other children.
- Asperger's: What Does It Mean to Me?, by Catherine
Faherty.
A workbook explaining self-awareness and life lessons to
youth with high functioning autism or Asperger syndrome.
- Freaks, Geeks and Asperger Syndrome: A User Guide to Adolescence,
by Luke Jackson and Tony Attwood.
- Asperger Syndrome and Difficult Moments, by Brenda Smith
Myles.
This brief book gives advice about dealing with "melt-downs."
- The OASIS Guide to Asperger Syndrome: Advice, Support, Insight,
and Inspiration, by Patricia Romanowski Bashe and Barbara
Kirby.
OASIS’s guide is parent-friendly and complete.
- Relationship
Development Intervention with Young Children: Social and Emotional
Development Activities for Asperger Syndrome, Autism, PDD and
NLD by Steven Gutstein and Rachelle Sheely.
An objectives-based
program for parents, teachers, special educators and therapists
to use with children ages two to eight.
- Social Skills
Training for Children and Adolescents with Asperger Syndrome
and Social-Communications Problems, by Jed Baker.
- Incorporating
Social Goals in the Classroom, by Rebecca A. Moyes, Susan
J. Moreno.
For parents and teachers, this book provides lesson plans and
tips for creating good IEPs to reach social goals.
- Helping the
Child Who Doesn't Fit In, by Stephen Nowicki, Marshall Duke.
“A
guide to the puzzle of social rejection and its relationship to
non-verbal language.”
- Teaching
Your Child the Language of Social Success, by Marshall Duke,
Stephen Nowicki and Elisabeth Martin.
An easy-to-use guide for parents and teachers to teach non-verbal
communication skills to kids.
- Asperger Syndrome:
Crossing the Bridge
This video may help teens, parents and professionals understand
the challenges and the gifts that come with AS.
- Buster and the Amazing Daisy: Adventures with Asperger Syndrome,
by Nancy Ogaz
This fictional book, for kids ages 9-12, is a fun read and a good
introduction to what AS is all about.
- The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, by
Mark Haddon
This fictional novel is about a boy with AS and his perspectives
on the world, as he sets out to solve the mystery of a dead
dog in his neighborhood.. The author formerly worked in special
education.
Social groups in the Ann
Arbor area:
Still have questions about this topic? Go to
our survey to ask your questions, and we’ll try
to answer them on an upcoming
YourChild podcast.
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Compiled by Kyla Boyse, R.N. Reviewed by faculty and staff at the University of Michigan
Updated November 2006
U-M Health System Related Sites:
U-M Pediatrics
Our editorial policy
The information and links we provide are reviewed by University of Michigan developmental and behavioral pediatricians and child psychologists who are experts in child behavioral health. In choosing the links we provide, we use strict criteria to ensure that the information is accurate, and the source is reputable. As much as possible, we focus on information that is based on research. In areas where there is inadequate research, we include information compatible with prevailing expert opinion.
This website is updated regularly, but because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, we cannot be responsible for misinformation that may be accessed through the links provided. As always, this website is not a tool for self-diagnosis, and is not a substitute for professional care.
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