Breaking down barriers to learning

Due to their difficulties with social understanding and literal interpretation, students with Asperger syndrome often have difficulties differentiating between teasing and bullying, and believe all incidents to be of equal severity.

For children with Asperger syndrome, it can be difficult to learn the social rules of language and the ability to interact appropriately. Social skills often need to be specifically taught for each new situation.

What is the triad of impairments and how can parents work with schools to help overcome them?

Examples for starting and setting out work for children with autism or Asperger syndrome.

Students with Asperger syndrome often have sensory processing difficulties. Noise, crowded places and being in close proximity to others may cause extreme anxiety. Certain smells and textures can also be overwhelming.

Suggestions for dealing with challenging or inappropriate behaviour.

Good practice guidelines when planning to meet the needs of students with Asperger syndrome during transition.

Students with Asperger syndrome will have difficulty processing and retaining oral information, even if they have good oral skills themselves. As a general rule, keep your instructions short and simple.

Some students are meticulously organised, while others have great difficulty in this area. Visual prompts will help students to organise themselves and their equipment independently.

An introduction to the issues and acknowledgements of the organisations involved in producing this guide.

Sources of more information about supporting children with autism and Asperger syndrome in school.

Students will often have difficulty starting and completing homework when they do not understand the instructions or the purpose of the work set.