ALTERNATIVE LEARNERS

Asperger's Disorder and Social Communication Problems

Asperger’s Disorder is a neurobiological syndrome that is marked by impairment in social interactions, difficulties in developing peer relationships, and a restrictive pattern of behavior and interests.  These youngsters may be somewhat inflexible, have different interests from their peers, and may experience difficulties with sensory issues. Youngsters with Asperger’s Disorder are of normal intelligence. They often display an expertise in particular subject areas and many display an excellent vocabulary as a younger child, but with difficulties in understanding idioms and nuances in language.

Individuals with Asperger’s Disorder often have difficulties in peer relationships. They may not pick up on social cues as readily as their peers. They may pursue very narrow topics and at times be unaware that others do not share these interests.  As youngsters with Asperger’s Disorder move into their adolescence, they may display signs of anxiety or more intense levels of anger, in part due to their rigidity or sense of feeling different from others. They may have some difficulties in self-observation and in perspective taking.]

Traditional strategies to address Asperger’s Disorder include involvement in social skills therapy groups and cognitive behavioral therapy. Many individuals with Asperger’s Disorder receive occupational and physical therapy to help with sensory integration and motor coordination problems. It is often extremely helpful to assist these youngsters towards a better understanding of their disorder and then to highlight their strengths and capacities. 

Youngsters with Asperger’s Disorder can become intensely involved in their use of digital technologies. It is important to be careful to moderate their involvement with these technologies and to insist that their use of video games and the Internet always have a social component.  For example, playing massive multi-player online role playing games may be useful if the child plays these games with a schoolmate whom he/she sees on a regular basis. Encouraging face-to-face communication in addition to coordination online is important. Games that enhance flexibility in which changing strategies regularly and paying attention to subtle, nonverbal cues may also be helpful for these children. Other games that require metacognitive skills that involve both self-observation and understanding of others may also be helpful.

Digital Technologies and Strategies:

Asperger's Disorder Digital Technology List

• Rock Band (played with other people)
• Massive Multiplayer Online Games (played with family members or peers with whom     they have communication outside of the game)
• My Space (with supervision)
• Face Book (with supervision)
• Instant Messaging, Text Messaging, and E-mail (with training and supervision)
• Digital Video Cameras
• Digital Cameras