Asperger Help

This article presents one of the principal theories to emerge
from a larger exploratory study. The research team conducted
interviews about special interests with 23 participants with Asperger
syndrome (AS), ages 7 to 21, who were eligible for services
under autism and enrolled in an extended school year
program. The authors also obtained written surveys from 18
parents. A strong positive relationship was found between engagement
in special interest areas and individual strengths in
areas typically seen as AS deficits, including communication,
social, emotional, sensory, fine-motor, executive function, and
academic skills. A review of the strength-based model of AS
and special interests is followed by practical ideas for effectively
incorporating special interest areas into school, home, and
community.