Asperger Syndrome | ADHD Information

I teach a boy in my 4th grade class who has been dx with Aspergers. 

He is quite social.  He functions quite well until it comes time to write.  He has a problem when it comes to handwriting.  He also has a problem with confidence.  He wants me to do things for him and his instructors to do things for him.  He has a great memory and is very intelligent. 

I really enjoy teaching him.

 

I have had the great pleasure of knowing a few young people with Asperger Syndrome. You can see why someone might miss the diagnosis.

 

I know one person with aspergers syndrome very well.

I also think that some of the symptoms seem to overlap with some add symptoms (either that or maybe I have some aspergers mixed in), particularly understanding the nuances of communication and behavior.

TheDog38818.8473148148TheDog, I was going to mention how the ADHD and Asperger brain seem to click, but thought that was just my own personal experience.  From: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pag es/Asperger's_syndrome?open

History of Asperger syndrome
Asperger syndrome became a recognised developmental disorder in 1994. Prior to that, a person with Asperger syndrome was considered to be socially awkward or unsociable. Some people were misdiagnosed as having a psychiatric disorder or labelled obsessive compulsive or simply thought of as 'odd'.

Some characteristics of Asperger syndrome
People with Asperger syndrome may display some of the following characteristics: Difficulty in forming friendships.A preference for playing alone or with older children and adults.Ability to talk well, either too much or too little, but difficulty with communication.Inability to understand that communication involves listening as well as talking.A very literal understanding of what has been said. For example, when asked to 'get lost', as in go away, a person with Asperger syndrome will be confused and may literally try to 'get lost'.Inability to understand the rules of social behaviour, the feelings of others and to 'read' body language. For example, a person with Asperger syndrome may not know that someone is showing that they are cross when frowning.Behaviour varies from mildly unusual to quite aggressive and difficult.Having rules and rituals that they insist all family members follow.Anger and aggression when things do not happen as they want.Sensitivity to criticism.A narrow field of interests. For example a person with Asperger syndrome may focus on learning all there is to know about cars, trains or computers.Eccentricity.
From: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pag es/Asperger_syndrome_and_adults?open

Typical adult symptoms
More males than females have Asperger syndrome. While every person who has the syndrome will experience different symptoms and severity of symptoms, some of the more common characteristics include: Average or above average intelligenceInability to think in abstract waysDifficulties in empathising with othersProblems with understanding another person's point of viewHampered conversational abilityProblems with controlling feelings such as anger, depression and anxietyAdherence to routines and schedules, and stress if expected routine is disruptedInability to manage appropriate social conductSpecialised fields of interest or hobbies.