Asperger Syndrome Support Group
Asperger syndrome - also referred to as Asperger's syndrome, Asperger's, Aspergers or just AS - is one of five neurobiological pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), and is characterized by deficiencies in social and communication skills, normal to above normal intelligence, and standard language development.
So I hope I don't come across as ignorant here. I understand that the new DSM V will not include Asperger's as an official syndrome.
I just want to know if anyone here agrees with me. I have found through my experience as new special ed teacher that Asperger's looks different from HFA. I have had both types of spectrum disorders in my classroom and to me, there are different sets of issues.
I have two high functioning autistic students in my class right now. One in math and one in reading. They are both the "smartest" kids in class by their informal and formal assessment scores. On paper, it appears they would not need services. They struggle socially, have poor motor functioning, rock and do a lot of self-stimming, have no clue what is appropriate and inappropriate to say according to the regular population of 5th graders, and have significant issues processing "real life" and the steps in order to meet their own basic needs.
On the other hand, I had a student last year with Asperger's. He was also bright, and received an award for top ten 7th grade readers. He was extremely literal, but had somewhat of a sense of humor. He clearly desired friends and had one good friend that had similar interests (fantasy literature). This student really opened up to me as the year went on. He was shut off for a long time, but then began to develop a relationship with me where he would discuss some of his interests with me.
The other two students seem to have no desire for conversation. They are your typical "autistic looking" children who rock back and forth, and speak inappropriately loud. They also cry easily (as a little child would) over a small frustration. And, they have no narrow field of interest in which they talk excessively about or perseverate on (which is extremely characteristic and definitive in Asperger's).
My boyfriend has Asperger's and is not at all like the HFAs that I have had. Not even close. In fact, on meeting, many would not detect a difference at all. His is awkward socially and is not good with small talk. He is always pleasant during introductions, but would not seek out new people. His special interest is music and astronomy.
I know it's a controversial issue right now, but I'm going to boldly say that based on my experience, I highly disagree with this change. I have found that many people are relieved to know their is a name for their various symptoms and take pride in calling themselves "Aspies". I am surely not saying to keep Asperger's for the name for the identity it has created for some people, but I think it truly is a separate collection of symptoms that cannot be stuffed into HFA. They are so very different. Thoughts anyone?
I just want to know if anyone here agrees with me. I have found through my experience as new special ed teacher that Asperger's looks different from HFA. I have had both types of spectrum disorders in my classroom and to me, there are different sets of issues.
I have two high functioning autistic students in my class right now. One in math and one in reading. They are both the "smartest" kids in class by their informal and formal assessment scores. On paper, it appears they would not need services. They struggle socially, have poor motor functioning, rock and do a lot of self-stimming, have no clue what is appropriate and inappropriate to say according to the regular population of 5th graders, and have significant issues processing "real life" and the steps in order to meet their own basic needs.
On the other hand, I had a student last year with Asperger's. He was also bright, and received an award for top ten 7th grade readers. He was extremely literal, but had somewhat of a sense of humor. He clearly desired friends and had one good friend that had similar interests (fantasy literature). This student really opened up to me as the year went on. He was shut off for a long time, but then began to develop a relationship with me where he would discuss some of his interests with me.
The other two students seem to have no desire for conversation. They are your typical "autistic looking" children who rock back and forth, and speak inappropriately loud. They also cry easily (as a little child would) over a small frustration. And, they have no narrow field of interest in which they talk excessively about or perseverate on (which is extremely characteristic and definitive in Asperger's).
My boyfriend has Asperger's and is not at all like the HFAs that I have had. Not even close. In fact, on meeting, many would not detect a difference at all. His is awkward socially and is not good with small talk. He is always pleasant during introductions, but would not seek out new people. His special interest is music and astronomy.
I know it's a controversial issue right now, but I'm going to boldly say that based on my experience, I highly disagree with this change. I have found that many people are relieved to know their is a name for their various symptoms and take pride in calling themselves "Aspies". I am surely not saying to keep Asperger's for the name for the identity it has created for some people, but I think it truly is a separate collection of symptoms that cannot be stuffed into HFA. They are so very different. Thoughts anyone?
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Neurotypical> Aspie traits>Aspie>High Functioning autism>classic autism
I think you will find what we currently call "High function autism" and Aspergers are different levels and as you say look different.
However, I think what you have described as High Functioning Autistic is correct. You seem to be talking about people with classic autism.
Remember, that under the current classification the only difference between Aspergers and Autism is language delay and so as an older child or adult they can look similar.
sorry I meant
"However, I think what you have described as High Functioning Autistic is incorrect. You seem to be talking about people with classic autism. "
I just want to get a feel for the emotions and how this whole thing is making people feel (and how they are backing up their opinion).
Yes, I never knew the clear-cut line that separated autism and HFA. Is it simply IQ? Or is it other things as well as that? As I research, it seems there are differing opinions on how to draw the line. Do you live in the UK? I live in the States -- maybe there are differences there depending on what criteria is used?
Personally I am not bothered by the shift in terminology. Through my interests in biology I see the frequent frustration of regular folks over changes in classification.
My only concern would be how it affects children's access to appropriate support. My understanding was that if you had Aspergers there was no support, if you had autism you did. While language delay is obviously something that does need support I would think some aspies would benefit from some support too. My hope is that if it becomes ASD the individual child will get assessed and get appropriate support.
I do agree with you. Each child should be able to have the opportunity to receive the support they need and if that's the avenue we need to go in order for that to happen, then that's what needs to happen. Thanks!
It's always important to remember that the DSM doesn't reflect reality but an ever-changing approximation thereto.