Asperger syndrome, a type of autism, has drastic effects for those with the disorder and affects more people than those diagnosed, and Marshall University is working with people who have Asperger syndrome to educate those who don't.
Students, faculty and members of the community met Wednesday with the college program for students with Asperger syndrome to discuss the syndrome and how to support students on campus who have it. It was the first of a three-series workshop about the syndrome.
"We're here to help students and the Marshall community to learn how to interact better with students who have Asperger syndrome," said Marc Ellison, coordinator for the college program for students with Asperger syndrome.
Asperger syndrome is a pervasive developmental disorder and is also known as a form of high-functioning autism, Ellison said. Those who have the disorder have normal or above average intellectual capacity while possessing eccentric or less developed social skills. The disorder has a major impact on the individual's ability to interact in normal situations.
Individuals with the syndrome often have difficulty conversing because of their lack of strategies to initiate, terminate and facilitate conversations and their inability to stay on topic. They also may think aloud, unaware others can hear them. The individuals often speak and think in a scripted language with difficulty drawing conclusions and grasping main ideas.
Individuals with the disorder may have difficulty setting goals, planning and organizing. Academically, students are often distracted and become anxious during testing.
Professors at Marshall are given a profile of each student in their class with Asperger syndrome. The profile outlines each student's abilities and areas in which they need assistance.
Susan Weinstein, academic lab manager who oversees teachers' assistants in biological sciences, said she wanted to know more about the syndrome so assistants will better understand how to treat students in their classes.
The West Virginia Autism Training Center at Marshall developed the program as a pilot study in 2002. The program uses a team-based approach to help students with academic and social situations and to improve their independent living skills. There are 20 students enrolled in the program including 17 out-of-state residents.
Rebecca Hansen, assistant coordinator for the college program for students with Asperger Syndrome, said prior to their first semester, students with the syndrome are assessed to determine their individual needs. The students prepare a set of goals based upon their needs and are provided a framework of support to help them be successful and independent after graduation.
"Training only goes so far," Hanson said. "You have to work one on one to assess each student's individual needs."
There are 10 graduate assistants from the autism training center that help individuals with the syndrome. Each graduate assistant provides counseling for individuals and assists them with social and academic situations. Graduate assistants help the individuals find tutoring for their classes and organize social activities for the students each semester.
Justin Kunitz, junior chemistry major from Santa Monica, Calif., is a student with Asperger syndrome. He said the program helps him finish his homework, study for exams and make friends. The program also allows him to take exams at the center where he can avoid distractions and receive extended time. Kunitz said he plans to attend pharmacy school.
"I want people to know that I know how to interact and socialize and I am a very intelligent person," Kunitz said. "I have trouble making friends but I want to make friends."
The next meeting to discuss Aspenger syndrome will be on at noon on Oct. 21 in room 2W22 in the Memorial Student Center.
Brittany Evans can be contacted at evans162@marshall.edu.
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