Spring Break
Marshall program teaches independent living skills
Brittany Evans
Issue date: 9/29/08 Section: News
Asperger syndrome, a type of autism, has drastic effects for those with the disorder and affects more people than those diagnosed, and Marshall University is working with people who have Asperger syndrome to educate those who don't.
Students, faculty and members of the community met Wednesday with the college program for students with Asperger syndrome to discuss the syndrome and how to support students on campus who have it. It was the first of a three-series workshop about the syndrome.
"We're here to help students and the Marshall community to learn how to interact better with students who have Asperger syndrome," said Marc Ellison, coordinator for the college program for students with Asperger syndrome.
Asperger syndrome is a pervasive developmental disorder and is also known as a form of high-functioning autism, Ellison said. Those who have the disorder have normal or above average intellectual capacity while possessing eccentric or less developed social skills. The disorder has a major impact on the individual's ability to interact in normal situations.
Individuals with the syndrome often have difficulty conversing because of their lack of strategies to initiate, terminate and facilitate conversations and their inability to stay on topic. They also may think aloud, unaware others can hear them. The individuals often speak and think in a scripted language with difficulty drawing conclusions and grasping main ideas.
Individuals with the disorder may have difficulty setting goals, planning and organizing. Academically, students are often distracted and become anxious during testing.
Professors at Marshall are given a profile of each student in their class with Asperger syndrome. The profile outlines each student's abilities and areas in which they need assistance.
Susan Weinstein, academic lab manager who oversees teachers' assistants in biological sciences, said she wanted to know more about the syndrome so assistants will better understand how to treat students in their classes.
Students, faculty and members of the community met Wednesday with the college program for students with Asperger syndrome to discuss the syndrome and how to support students on campus who have it. It was the first of a three-series workshop about the syndrome.
"We're here to help students and the Marshall community to learn how to interact better with students who have Asperger syndrome," said Marc Ellison, coordinator for the college program for students with Asperger syndrome.
Asperger syndrome is a pervasive developmental disorder and is also known as a form of high-functioning autism, Ellison said. Those who have the disorder have normal or above average intellectual capacity while possessing eccentric or less developed social skills. The disorder has a major impact on the individual's ability to interact in normal situations.
Individuals with the syndrome often have difficulty conversing because of their lack of strategies to initiate, terminate and facilitate conversations and their inability to stay on topic. They also may think aloud, unaware others can hear them. The individuals often speak and think in a scripted language with difficulty drawing conclusions and grasping main ideas.
Individuals with the disorder may have difficulty setting goals, planning and organizing. Academically, students are often distracted and become anxious during testing.
Professors at Marshall are given a profile of each student in their class with Asperger syndrome. The profile outlines each student's abilities and areas in which they need assistance.
Susan Weinstein, academic lab manager who oversees teachers' assistants in biological sciences, said she wanted to know more about the syndrome so assistants will better understand how to treat students in their classes.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Lynn Kennedy
posted 10/01/08 @ 9:26 AM EST
I wish I could access this kind of support for my Asperger's son. He has just started high school and higher education would be wonderful for him, as he has the intellect to do the work. (Continued…)
Teresa Frogge
posted 10/13/08 @ 10:34 AM EST
This article has one of the most accurate and concise definitions of AS I have read. It describes my daughter perfectly. Thanks to programs like yours spreading the word about Asperger Syndrome, my daughter will have a better future. (Continued…)
Krista Wooten
posted 10/25/08 @ 2:54 PM EST
I attended this first meeting to gain more insight about Asperger Syndrome. My 11 yr old son was just diagnosed August 2008, and I've done nothing but worry about what kind of life he would have. (Continued…)
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