An introduction to autism and acknowledgements of the organisations involved in producing this guide.
Asperger syndrome is a form of autism, a disability that affects the way a person communicates and relates to others. It shares the key areas of difficulty that make up what is called the Triad of Impairments. Approximately one in 200 pupils has an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Most of these are educated in mainstream schools.
In whatever area of education you work there is one thing of which you can be sure in the future you will be providing for more children with autism.
Barry Carpenter Equals Conference November 2000
We can describe the difficulties associated with Asperger syndrome as the Triad of Impairments.
Acknowledgements
This project is the result of a partnership project funded by the DfES.
The organisations involved are:
- The National Autistic Society
- Surrey County Council's Children's Service
- Partnership with Parents
- South East Region SEN Partnership.
The aim of the project was to address the social and curriculum related difficulties faced by pupils with Asperger syndrome during the period of transition from primary to secondary mainstream education.
Throughout the project we worked with 16 students who had a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome and a statement of special educational needs. We also worked with staff in the schools and parents.
Our thanks go to all of the students and their parents for everything they taught us about Asperger syndrome. Thanks also to Ruth Buchan and Ronwen Smith, the Headteachers of Freemantles and Linden Bridge Schools, who agreed at the outset to release the ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) Outreach Teachers to participate in the project.
Diana Ennis & Cath Manns
June 2004