The following is a website that I have found through research and provides a lot of information on Asperger's as well as lots of links, famous people with AS, and information on how to help your child or student who may have AS.
This is a link to purchase a magazine which I didn't even know existed- "Autism- Asperger's Digest Magazine. It was described as a "Practical, positive information for parents & professionals on a range of topics: behavior, sensory, social skills, language/communication, research, alternative methods, classroom strategies, daily living tips, etc. Gold Winner 2008 NAPPA Parenting Resources Award & 2007 MarCom Creative Awards".
This website- made me very angry. It provided some information on AS but then spoke of AS as if it was a "disease" that could be treated through simple "over the counter" products- they referred to it as curing or home remedies for AS. This sounded as if children and adults who have Asperger's syndrome have something wrong with them and need to be cured. This way of thinking is what keeps prejudices and stereotypes present in our society today.
Learning to better the Future
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
AANE
The Asperger's Association of New England website is one that is so rich of information, FAQ's, resources, and ways in which to help benefit those with Asperger's that it is hard to sum up all of this into one mere posting.
Asperger Syndrome as stated by AANE is "a neurological condition. People who have AS are born with it, and have it for life, although as they mature they may gain new skills, outgrow some of their AS traits, or use their strengths to compensate for their areas of disability. AS is generally considered a form of autism, an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Other closely related autism spectrum disorders include HFA (High-Functioning Autism), PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified) and NLD or NVLD (Nonverbal Learning Disorder)."
Not only does this site provide information about diagnosis in adults and children but it offers ways and resources in which those individuals can seek help. With the AANE acknowledging that Asperger's became an official diagnosis in the United States in 1994, it is evident that there is a long way to go in diagnosing, helping and understanding this syndrome. Because people with Asperger's "process information and sensory stimuli differently than the brains of neurotypical (NT) people. This can be a source of difficulty, but it can also be a strength." (AANE) The website also offers places, events, and situations in which people who have Asperger's syndrome may have difficulty as well as how they can strive beyond society's and individual's expectations. "Dr. Stephen M. Shore says, “When you meet one person with AS—you’ve met one person with AS.” This is a testament to the fact that we are all different and individuality is very important to recognize even with and for people who have a disability, syndrome or AS.
There are some great videos on the website about the lives of several people who have Asperger's syndrome and videos on various conferences that have been held on related topics. In addition there are uncountable ways of contacting people at AANE and services that provide more information and help. There are also places to donate and shop to help raise money for AANE and Asperger's syndrome. The Bulletin Board is one way to see the most recent posts and information on the website, this helps in reading articles, journals, and posts on Asperger's and related matter- this is a must read, there is sooooo much to take from here for further education. But one of the most valuable resources on this website is the toolbar links. At the top of the website these navigate the most important information along with two great links- the Educator's Toolbox and the Parent's Toolbox. The Toolboxes are items that contain resources and strategies to use with children and students who have Asperger's. The Educator's Toolbox holds problem solving techniques, templates for teachers to use with their students (work, feelings, and everyday activities), as well as a list of books that teachers can use for Asperger's information, strategies, and stories.
Becoming an educator I must be aware of each individual in my classroom and how I can help them to not only become the best student but be the person who they want to be. In recognizing each student I must be acknowledge that some of my students will have learning disabilities, mental or emotional disorders as well as a wide array of syndromes, all of which I must learn how to work with and help the student. On this website there is a particular page that gives advice and ways in which educators can respond to children who have Asperger's syndrome.
Asperger Syndrome as stated by AANE is "a neurological condition. People who have AS are born with it, and have it for life, although as they mature they may gain new skills, outgrow some of their AS traits, or use their strengths to compensate for their areas of disability. AS is generally considered a form of autism, an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Other closely related autism spectrum disorders include HFA (High-Functioning Autism), PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified) and NLD or NVLD (Nonverbal Learning Disorder)."
Not only does this site provide information about diagnosis in adults and children but it offers ways and resources in which those individuals can seek help. With the AANE acknowledging that Asperger's became an official diagnosis in the United States in 1994, it is evident that there is a long way to go in diagnosing, helping and understanding this syndrome. Because people with Asperger's "process information and sensory stimuli differently than the brains of neurotypical (NT) people. This can be a source of difficulty, but it can also be a strength." (AANE) The website also offers places, events, and situations in which people who have Asperger's syndrome may have difficulty as well as how they can strive beyond society's and individual's expectations. "Dr. Stephen M. Shore says, “When you meet one person with AS—you’ve met one person with AS.” This is a testament to the fact that we are all different and individuality is very important to recognize even with and for people who have a disability, syndrome or AS.
There are some great videos on the website about the lives of several people who have Asperger's syndrome and videos on various conferences that have been held on related topics. In addition there are uncountable ways of contacting people at AANE and services that provide more information and help. There are also places to donate and shop to help raise money for AANE and Asperger's syndrome. The Bulletin Board is one way to see the most recent posts and information on the website, this helps in reading articles, journals, and posts on Asperger's and related matter- this is a must read, there is sooooo much to take from here for further education. But one of the most valuable resources on this website is the toolbar links. At the top of the website these navigate the most important information along with two great links- the Educator's Toolbox and the Parent's Toolbox. The Toolboxes are items that contain resources and strategies to use with children and students who have Asperger's. The Educator's Toolbox holds problem solving techniques, templates for teachers to use with their students (work, feelings, and everyday activities), as well as a list of books that teachers can use for Asperger's information, strategies, and stories.
Becoming an educator I must be aware of each individual in my classroom and how I can help them to not only become the best student but be the person who they want to be. In recognizing each student I must be acknowledge that some of my students will have learning disabilities, mental or emotional disorders as well as a wide array of syndromes, all of which I must learn how to work with and help the student. On this website there is a particular page that gives advice and ways in which educators can respond to children who have Asperger's syndrome.
Quiz
I find it interesting that Autism and Asperger's Syndrome are becoming more acknowledged in today's society as evident by this quiz that was posted on facebook.
This Quiz is "The Autism Spectrum Quotient, or AQ, is a questionnaire published in 2001 by Simon Baron-Cohen and his colleagues at the Autism Research Centre in Cambridge, UK. Consisting of fifty questions, it aims to investigate whether adults of normal intelligence have symptoms of autism or one of the other autism spectrum conditions."
This Quiz is "The Autism Spectrum Quotient, or AQ, is a questionnaire published in 2001 by Simon Baron-Cohen and his colleagues at the Autism Research Centre in Cambridge, UK. Consisting of fifty questions, it aims to investigate whether adults of normal intelligence have symptoms of autism or one of the other autism spectrum conditions."
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