Kingston Dyslexia Association

Talks Programme 2007-2008

Thursday 22^nd November 2007

Strategies for Supporting Asperger’s Syndrome

People with AS have difficulty with social interaction, they cannot pick up verbal cues. Consequently, they may appear self-focused and lacking in empathy when infact they are simply struggling to cope with social situations.

People with AS frequently have good language skills but cannot grasp the underlying meaning of conversation, jokes and sarcasm. They often feel safe with their own narrow interests, which tend to dominate their conversations.

People with AS have difficulty understanding other people’s points of view; they invariably take language literally and may have a problem translating knowledge and skills from one situation to another.

People with AS can be hypersensitive to certain sounds or sensory stimuli, such as touch, noise, smell and light. This can lead to a feeling of being overloaded and often results in angry outbursts.

The majority of people with AS feel extreme isolation and are often misunderstood and rejected. They tend to have very low self-esteem, which is usually expressed by anger and blame. They find it hard to make friends and also experience loneliness and bullying.

Young people with AS may shown signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, Dyspraxia and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, as well as difficulties with impulse control and anger management.

Naomi Clarke has an Advanced Diploma in Special Needs, and since 1992, has worked with children in the autistic spectrum. She became interested in supporting those with Asperger’s Syndrome when she was asked to lead a project teaching 15 children with AS, which resulted in the establishing of Southlands School in Lymington, dedicated to those with AS. Naomi has been Deputy Head of Southlands School for 14 years, teaching students from the age of 7 –16 years.