Asperger Syndrome and the Elementary School Experience: Practical Solutions for Academic & Social Difficulties

The fourth book in the popular Practical Solutions series published by the Autism Asperger Publishing Company, Aserger Syndrome and the Elementary School Experience is what teachers and parents have been waiting for. It holds practical solutions for addressing the academic and social needs of elementary-aged children with Asperger Syndrome (AS). Lots of forms, checklists and other visuals make these helpful ideas easy to implement. This book provides educators with an understanding of AS and how it affects a student academically and socially, and provides specific strategies for helping elementary school students with AS function successfully. Following an introductory chapter, chapter 2 presents the major areas of difficulty for individuals with AS with examples of each. Difficulties in pragmatic language, social interactions, sensory processing, motor functioning, and cognition are addressed. Chapter 3 focuses on organizational accommodations for students with AS. The strategies described offer structure and predictability for students that help them develop a routine, keep themselves organized, and meet teacher expectations. Recommended accommodations are provided for classroom organization, grouping students, visuals, priming, assistive technology, note-taking strategies, student presentations, using an assignment notebook, homework, and assessments. Chapter 4 focuses on accommodations in the curriculum and addresses accommodations for mathematics, writing, social studies, science, reading, spelling/vocabulary, and special classes. Chapter 5 discusses strategies for developing social skills in students with AS, dealing with anxiety and difficult moments, and encouraging play. Specific strategies for social skills instruction are discussed. Lastly, the final chapter provides tips for making an individualized education program team work effectively.