Autism Spectrum Disorder – High-Functioning (Asperger’s)

What it is:
High-functioning autism, historically referred to as Asperger’s Syndrome, is a form of autism where students have average or above-average intelligence but struggle with social communication, flexibility, and understanding nonverbal cues.

What to look out for:
Students may speak fluently and have extensive vocabulary but find it hard to interpret tone, sarcasm, or peer emotions. They may have intense interests in specific topics and follow rigid routines.

Real-life example:
A student can explain complex facts about trains in detail but becomes anxious or frustrated when the lesson deviates from their preferred topic. Group activities may be challenging due to difficulty understanding social dynamics.

How it affects learning:
Social challenges can interfere with group work, classroom discussions, and collaborative projects. Students may excel in structured, rule-based subjects but struggle with abstract concepts or flexible thinking.

Best learning strategies:

• Use clear, literal language and visual supports to explain concepts.

• Provide predictable routines and structured learning environments to reduce anxiety.

• Break complex tasks into small, sequential steps for easier understanding.

• Encourage focused engagement on areas of interest to build motivation.

• Support social skills development with role-playing, peer mentoring, or guided group activities.

• Be patient with flexibility challenges and provide advance notice of changes to routines or expectations.