Topics in Language Disorders
Children and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
Corresponding author: Dr. Stephen Safran, College of Education, McCracken Hall 201/202, Athens, OH 45701-2979.
Abstract
The number of children identified with Asperger syndrome (AS) is rapidly rising throughout the world. The purpose of this article is to promote understanding of the characteristics and behaviors associated with AS and to introduce a range of school-based interventions. First, a description of the indicators of AS is provided, followed by an overview of screening and diagnostic procedures. Next, the Application ABCs section covers knowledge-based interventions addressing deficits in Academics, Behavior, and Communication. Implications for speech language pathologists and related professionals working with youngsters with this autistic spectrum disorder are addressed.