| Synopsis: |
For many children and young people, the world is a strange and unfathomable place where people don't say what they mean or mean what they say; where the rules change depending on who you are with; and, where you are never allowed just to be yourself. Welcome to Planet Asperger, located in a parallel universe where everything seems the same as earth, but nothing actually is. "The Asperger Syndrome Pocketbook" helps teachers and support staff to understand the difficulties faced by pupils with Asperger Syndrome (AS) and provides strategies for overcoming the challenges it poses in the classroom. The book is highly illustrated, using cartoons, diagrams and visual prompts to support the text throughout. The opening chapter explains exactly what AS is - and what it is not. It lists characteristics of the condition and highlights both the complications and delights of having an AS pupil in a class. Subsequent chapters deal with specific challenges: social impairment; obsessive interests; repetition and change; speech and language; non-verbal communication; and, anger or rage. In each case the challenge is described using illustrative examples and is followed by practical solutions.A final section on inclusion covers implications for academic, pastoral and support staff and how to help with study skills, exams and problem-solving. Author Ronnie Young is the mother of a son with Asperger's. She has taught in schools, PRUs, offender institutions and in FE. Ronnie is now a trainer and consultant specialising in neuro-diversity. She works for the National Autistic Society and regularly contributes to national conference. |