Special Education Saturday - The Eight Advantages of Asperger's Syndrome

Note: This is based on a handout I received at a workshop--author unknown.

1. Focus - This allows the individual to work through challenging tasks.

2. Unique Global Insights - They can make new connections between facts and ideas, which gives them new insights and the ability to draw their own conclusions.

3. Independent Thinking - Helps them discover new options and opportunities and forge their own path.

4. Internal Motivation - They go their own way without being moved by the conventions, opinions, or social pressure generated by others.

5. Attention to Detail - Helps them solve complex problems without becoming overwhelmed or missing something.

6. 3-Dimensional Thinking - Helps with creative and original solutions to problems.

7. Cutting Through the Smoke Screen - This recognition and willingness to share the truth can lead to project success.

8. Logical Decision Making - Keeps them from being swayed by distractions and keeps them on track. This is a huge benefit when making their way through tough situations.

What other advantages have you seen?

Possible New Diagnostic Test for Autism

One of the challenging aspects of making a diagnosis of autism is that there are no definitive tests. Evaluators must rely on a collection of data to determine if the child in question has problems in communication, relationships, and behavior.

This may be about to change. A new study from Boston Children's Hospital revealed that children with autism show less connectivity between brain regions than their typical peers. This difference can be identified through an EEG. The differences were especially apparent in language-related brain areas.

What does this mean?

• The researchers believe that EEGs could be used to definitively identify autism in children as young as two years old. 
• This will standardize diagnostic criteria so that children will no longer be identified with autism in one area but not in another.
• Early identification means early intervention and better outcomes for these children and their families. 

In short, good news all around. 

The next step? Repeating this study with children identified with Aspergers' Syndrome. Children with autism who also had other disorders such as Fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, or extremely premature birth. This will determine if EEG diagnosis is also appropriate in these cases.