Asperger Syndrome is a form of autism. The term Asperger is increasingly being replaced by the more generalised term of ADS (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) to reflect a spectrum rather than discrete conditions.

The National Autistic Society has an excellent website so if you want to more information please visit their site.

The text below is an extract taken from their information on supporting Students with Asperger Syndrome / ASD.

Supporting Students with Asperger Syndrome

If you work in higher education, you are likely to come into contact with students with Asperger syndrome. It is relevant for all staff, but in particular for lecturers, tutors, disability advisers, needs assessors and careers staff.

What is Asperger syndrome?

Asperger syndrome is a form of autism. It is a lifelong developmental disability that affects the way a person communicates and relates to people around them. People with Asperger syndrome are usually of average or above average intelligence. Social interaction can be difficult for people with Asperger syndrome and they can experience high levels of stress and anxiety. The condition affects people in different ways, but everyone with an autism diagnosis (including Asperger syndrome) shares a difficulty in making sense of the world. A number of traits are common to people with Asperger syndrome including:

• Difficulty in communicating - people with Asperger syndrome can often be very fluent in their speech, but find it difficult to make conversation and small talk, and may seem to lack interest in what someone else is saying. They may be quite literal in their understanding of spoken language, but struggle with metaphors and sarcasm.
• Difficulty in social relationships - many people with Asperger syndrome do want to be sociable, but find it hard to understand the social rules that other people take for granted. This includes difficulties in knowing what to do when with other people. Group environments can be particularly difficult and they can find it hard to make friends. People with Asperger syndrome may also find it difficult to understand non-verbal signals and facial expressions.
• Difficulties with imaginative thought and flexible thinking - people with Asperger syndrome often find it hard to think in abstract ways and may find it hard to cope with change. Changes to timetables, and when things don't go to plan can cause stress and anxiety. They can also find it hard to know what someone else is thinking.
• People with Asperger syndrome can also develop a particular interest in something. This can be useful in the higher education environment as the individual may be able to spend their time studying their particular interest. They also often have a preference for routine and find managing change difficult.
• Many people with Asperger syndrome can have difficulties with sensory processing and get overwhelmed by too much sensory information, for example, they may feel uncomfortable in a large lecture room, filled with chatting students. Sometimes strip lighting can be a particular issue. Too much sensory information can prevent the student from processing what they are being taught.

These are the main features of the condition, but the characteristics will vary greatly. Obviously, every person is an individual with individual support needs and should be treated as such.

Positive aspects of Asperger syndrome

People with Asperger syndrome may struggle with aspects of college or university life and may need more support than other students in order to be able to achieve their academic potential. However, people with Asperger syndrome, can - and do - also have many skills and strengths which should not be overlooked. These unique qualities and different way of thinking and experiencing the world brings diversity to establishments and enriches the student population. Enthusiasm, punctuality, determination and reliability are among the many qualities that students with Asperger syndrome might bring.

For many students with Asperger syndrome, coming to college or university can be, for the first time in their lives, an environment where they are not ostracised. There may be other students that share their love of maths or history, for example, and people who finally accept them for who they are.

It is important that students with Asperger syndrome are respected and valued for their skills and positive attributes as well as being supported in the areas they struggle with.

How might Asperger syndrome affect someone at university?

Students with Asperger syndrome may experience higher levels of stress and anxiety than other students.

Moreover, the things which cause them stress and anxiety may be different than for the average student population. For example, a student with Asperger syndrome may seem unconcerned about a particular assignment, but may experience high levels of anxiety if changes are made to the timetable.

But it may also be that the style of learning many higher education establishments adopt can be challenging for people with Asperger syndrome eg self-directed learning and group discussions. This means that they may need particular support with some aspects of learning and teaching.

Students with Asperger syndrome may find it difficult to process verbal information and may need lectures supported by printed PowerPoint slides. People with Asperger syndrome may also struggle particularly with the social aspects of university life and managing the demands of living away from home.

If a student seems to be struggling, it may be that he or she needs more support outside lectures. For example, they may find it hard to cater for themselves for the first time or to know how to manage their budget. This may impact on the way they cope in lectures and tutorials. Some students may need high levels of support or may need to live in university accommodation throughout their time studying.

Support to enter higher education

Students with Asperger syndrome will often need more support or preparation than other people before entering university. They may need to be offered the chance to visit the university outside term-time to familiarise themselves before it gets very busy. They may need clear guidance about what to do and when, e.g. signing up with the medical centre, joining the students union etc.

They may need support with daily living skills or specialist equipment. They will therefore need input from disability officers to help to ensure this support is in place before the course starts.

Please return to Types of Disability