Hi, I’m Edie Brown. I’d like to share what makes me happy. Today’s blog? It’s about meeting a woman with Asperberger’s Syndrome who fought to graduate high school with a diploma, not a certificate.

All she needed was perseverance and the will to fight stereotypes. She had them both.

Traveling back to when Google Plus was in its heyday, I had over 300,000 followers. We had a thriving tribe of teachers and parents of teens and young adults with ADHD and Autism. We shared hopes, dreams, and information to empower “our kids.”

Much to my surprise, there was a subscriber named DroidLynn who sought to inspire others with her story as an adult on the Autism Spectrum who has ADHD. Later, she became Zeenath Mann.

Zee tells the stories of her struggles with teachers in a way that I cannot. Read about how she searches for answers as to why her teachers didn’t understand Autism. https://edielovesmath.net/why-doesnt-my-teacher-understand-me/  

74% of U.S. students with autism graduate with a diploma, compared to 86% of all students. 19% of autistic students graduate with a certificate (Autism Speaks). 

Does anyone know any famous people said to have Asperger’s Syndrome? How about Albert Einstein, Michael Jackson, Vincent Van Gogh…and many others. What does it mean?

What is it?

To be diagnosed for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a child must have persistent deficits in social communication/interaction. They also must meet at least 2 types of restricted, repeat/repetitive behaviors. 

Some people believe that Asperger’s Syndrome is a full disorder in its own right. The truth is, in 2013 the condition was placed in a category of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

In the new DSM-5, Asperger’s no longer exists. It has been removed as a clinical term. People with this condition may be socially awkward. They’re also known for having obsessive interests. It lasts for years, even lifelong. 

In 2023, 1 in 36 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with ASD, compared to 1 in 150 children 20 years ago (Statistica, 2023).  Can you see the gravity of the problem?

Developmental Issues

ASD is a group of disorders that affect group development and communication skills. Unlike many who fall into the spectrum, people with Asperger’s often have well-developed language abilities and normal to above-average intelligence.

It’s not hard to pick out high school students with Asperger’s Syndrome. Sensory processing challenges expose their unusual behaviors. Social interaction is often stunted as a result of verbal and non-verbal communication disorders. It makes independent interactions uncommon.

• Has unusual speech patterns.
• Ignores/misinterprets social cues.
• Has obsessive interest in one topic.
• Difficulty understanding humor, sarchasm, irony.
• Increased prevalence of depression, ADHD, and mood and anxiety disorders.

The Hard Truth

Fewer teens and young adults on the spectrum have the same opportunities as their peers without the disorder. Even more challenging, people with Autism experience changes in their symptoms with age. This directly impacts their ability to function.

Social isolation is common. Nearly 40% of them spend little or no time with friends. There’s a higher likelihood that they will live with their parents after high school.

Creating Successful Autistic Classrooms

Who’s at fault when our Asperger’s teens fail? It’s hard to say. Look to expert researchers: Rose, Dunlee, Huber, and Kincaid (2003). Their research identified key elements in successful Autism classrooms.

• Provide specialized curriculum/content.
• Modify the environment.
• Coordinate team approaches.
• Include specialized teaching support.
• Create a peer network.
• Use a functional approach to problem behavior.
• Integrate parental involvement.
• Schedule recurrent evaluations of inclusion procedures.
• Show a preference toward structured learning environments.

Parents as SuperHeroes

Teachers are not alone in creating safe academic environments. Home too. These tips help support Autistic teens.

• Be patient (immature).
• Consider mental health.
• Have realistic, modest goals.
• Provide structure and downtime.
• Learn how to ask for help.

Additional Supports to Make the Ride Easier

Potential ASD supports are numerous. Check with a medical practitioner for recommendations.

• Speech therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Sensory training
• Medication
• Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder. While it has been removed from most official research, “Asperger’s Syndrome” remains popular. It’s also known as high-functioning Autism. 

With Asperger’s, teens often have skills such as reading, writing, and speaking. Therefore, there are lower support needs. Watch carefully. Your child will leave clues. Hopefully the spoken word too.

QUESTION: Are four years enough? Read on for what the research suggests. https://www.research.chop.edu/car-autism-roadmap/are-four-years-of-high-school-enough-when-to-stay-longer 

Copyright © 2024 by Edna Brown. All Rights Reserved.