What kind of special educational help does a person with Asperger's Syndrome need?

Question

My sister is a freshman in college, She hasnt been diagnosed with it yet but there is a high chance she may have Asperger's (which is like a mild form of autism) Right now, shes not recieving any kind of extra educational help but if she were to be diagnosed, what kinds of special assistance would she be able to get? I think she needs it because shes so smart but her grades are average since she doesnt get the personal help shes been needing her whole life in school.

Thanks:)

Answer 1

Don't put the cart before the horse. It is time to get her diagnosed. It is really too bad this didn't happen in high school because now she would have an IEP to bring with her. She should go to a neurologist or other doctor who specializes in diagnosing people on the autism spectrum. Also, you can get Asperger's rating scales on the 'Net to give you an idea where she stands, but she must have a diagnosis.

Every college or university that receives state or federal funds must have an office that deals with students with disabilities, so once you have the diagnosis, she can take it to that office. It would be helpful if the doctor would give some specific accommodations that she might need.

Most people with Asperger's seem to have good language, but this is only on a surface level. They don't understand non-verbal conversational clues or inferences. Providing a visual of the whole concept to be learned can be helpful for this student.

Comprehension of spoken language may also be an issue. She may miss things while trying to comprehend things that have been said before. A written copy of the class notes should be provided for her to review later. She could also get a notetaker in class.

Another issue is that frequently Asperger's people tend to really be focused on just one or two narrow interests. If this is the case, she may not have developed the skills she needs in other areas. The provision of a tutor to keep her on track is helpful.

If your sister is having trouble with perseverating on certain topics of conversation and people think she is weird, your family can train her to become aware of when she is doing this. She can be taught to ask another person questions and to follow a conversational theme.

She must be fairly high functioning to be able to do college. You should be proud of her. I have a teacher friend who is Asperger's and she has had to learn to adjust to the teaching world. We tell her when she is getting off on a tangent and she usually will stop. However, she tends to say things repetitiously and she drives some folks nuts. But she is a good teacher and I like her.

Answer 2

Typically, people with Asperger's need help with the social aspects of college life.  She can probably handle the academic workload, but may need help navigating social situations.  Sometimes social and academic concerns merge, such as when doing group projects.  If she gets diagnosed, she should talk to a counselor at her college who could hook her up with services that might be helpful.

Answer 3

First of all, every person with AS is different. Generally speaking, the academics shouldn't be a problem, but she could have a problem similar to my son. My son has a problem with the logistics of a classroom. He may have trouble turning in homework because he doesn't understand the procedure that the teacher has set up. Also, if he is doing poorly in class, he won't ask the teacher what the problem is. So, if your sister had someone who could just check on things, she would probably be ok.

Answer 4

Corky, I'm shocked that your sister hasn't received any help for her problems. Was your sister educated in public or private schools?  The first thing that needs to happen, is for her to get a definitive diagnosis by an appropriate professional.  Only then will you know what you're dealing with.  One place that you might look is your local Department of Rehabilitation Services.  Let me know if I can help you any further.

Answer 5

Well at her age, early intervention isn't an option which I am most familiar with.  I would imagine she may be able to get some assistance on tests, assignments and projects if she needs it.  

Overall, what resources are available to her would depend on her diagnosis and to what extend she is impaired really.  The course of treatment/help must fit the diagnosis.  I would wait to see what they come back with as far as a diagnosis is concerned and then see what the school recommends to help her with her disability.  You can always request other services or look into other possible services, but if it doesn't meet her needs, the proposal may be denied by the school.

A good website for Autism Spectrum Questions and Resources is:

www.Autismspeaks.org