[Georgia_ahead] FW: Student with Asperger's Syndrome

[Bonnie S. Martin]

Hi All,

Interesting how ASD is such a hot topic on dsshe this week.  Below a DSP
asks about a specific incident with a student and Jane Thierfeld Brown
responds.  I have seen her present twice on ASD (AHEAD and UConn Institute).
She is recognized as one of the foremost specialist in this area for
postsecondary accommodations (works with grad students with ASD and has at
least one child with ASD).

Bonnie Martin 

-----Original Message-----
From: Disabled Student Services in Higher Education
[mailto:DSSHE-L at LISTSERV.BUFFALO.EDU] On Behalf Of Jane Thierfeld Brown
Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2007 3:10 PM
To: DSSHE-L at LISTSERV.BUFFALO.EDU
Subject: Student with Asperger's Syndrome

Students with any type of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may exhibit self 
injurious behaviors. These behaviors are seen much less often in high 
functioning students, such as those with Asperger's Syndrome, the majority 
of the students who we see in higher education. An educational setting, 
such as a college classroom, is not the place to asses or determine what 
is causing a certain self injurious behavior. Safety for the individual 
and other students, staff and faculty is of utmost importance. Conduct 
codes are made for this type of behavior and if Student A is incapable of 
controling these behaviors, then the higher ed setting is not approriate 
for this student.

Having worked with many self injurious students, often with an ASD 
diagnosis, these are some of the most difficult behaviors to extinguish 
and should only be treated by a trained professional. These behaviors, 
similar to the behavior of students who are cutters, are not acceptable in 
a classroom or a residence hall, with or without a documented disability. 
When the student can control these behaviors and return to the classroom, 
is the time to develop a behavior plan for this student and specific rules 
he or she can follow when under stress, having a meltdown or needing 
assistance.

Jane

Jane Thierfeld Brown
Director of Student Services
University of Connecticut School of Law
55 Elizabeth Street
Hartford, CT 06105
860.570.5130 v/tdd
860.570.5128 fax


Kris G Hernandez wrote:


>Aloha Listers!
>
>Once again, I am writing to ask for your experience/input on the 
following situation.
>
>Student A has been diagnosed as having Asperger's Syndrome. He was in 
ceramics class today and his instructor called our office to ask us to 
come and speak to student. Teacher said, "This is beyond my training." 
Student was using a ceramic carving tool on his arm (he did not cut 
himself, but he could have if he applied more pressure). I was able to 
talk him out of his 'tool' however, he started to use his own 
fingernail to scrape at the inside of his forearm. A few red welts 
appeared on his arm. Then, he got up and left the classroom. When I 
followed him outside to talk with him, he looked at me and said, "Why 
are you here? I dont know you." I walked with him for a short distance, 
he soon picked up the pace and eventually started to run towards the 
parking lot. 
>
>Two things. 
>First, when Student A first came to our Disability office, he was 
accompanied by his father. 
>
>Two, although we generally do not involve parents in the process of 
what their adult child with disabiltiies is doing at school (behavior, 
attendance, grades), involving his parents may be warranted in this 
case. I am wondering if his parents can give us some tips for "talking 
him down" when he is aggitated (especially when his behavior could be 
hurting him) and I think its a good idea to make them aware of our 
safety concerns for this student.
>
>Question.
>Have you ever had a situation similar (acting out in class/safety 
issues) to this? If so, have you felt the need to involve the student's 
parents? and under what conditions would you include the parents?
>
>Look forward to your reply.
>Thank you very much.
>
>Kris
>

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