Do you have children with Asperger Syndrome in your classroom and wonder how best to cater to their needs? Do you have friends with Asperger Syndrome, or maybe have it yourself? This week’s guest Kathy Hoopmann has a wealth of suggestions to help you understand, appreciate and enjoy the complex syndrome that is known as ASD.
Combining her knowledge of Asperger Syndrome with her teaching background, Kathy has written over twenty books for children and adults. She is best known for her photo-illustrated books that deal with Asperger Syndrome, ADHD and anxiety. The simplicity, charm and insight of these books has made them must-haves for children and adults around the world.
Kathy has won and been shortlisted for many literary awards including the Children’s Book Council of Australia Award, and she has four times been awarded a silver Nautilus Award (US). Her books have been translated into thirteen languages and sell widely in Australia, the UK, the US and the Middle East.
The books help children and adults with ASD recognise that they are not alone and provide support to carers, teachers and other professionals working with people with ASD. In any home, school or classroom library Kathy’s books would help everyone learn to understand and support each other.
Welcome to readilearn, Kathy. Over to you.
The boy crawled under a table, his cap pulled low. All eyes were on me to watch what I would do. I was the relief teacher, or ‘light relief’ and the class was eager for a good show. But I had been a relief teacher for too long to take the bait. Besides, I recognised the behavior. The boy displayed many characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder and frankly under the table was the very best place he could be, for his sake and mine.
‘Miss?’ a child ventured, ‘Billy’s under the table and he’s wearing a hat indoors.’
Continue reading: readilearn: Teaching children with ASD — ideas for the classroom- with guest author Kathy Hoopmann – Readilearn
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Norah Colvin 
I have had several students with Aspergers in my classes, some with shadows, some alone. I remember one 1st grader in particular who loved an art program I put her on. She didn’t follow the directions but really, I didn’t care and her drawing came out gorgeous. Her mother, though, was furious at me. Seems I messed up their long-term teaching. Sigh. I admit, I had no training in how to handle those special needs.
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How disappointing, Jacqui. Like you, I would have been happy with that young girl’s drawing. Getting children, any children, to participate can be tricky at times. I hope the parents explained why they were unhappy so you could learn and adjust in the future. It seems to me that we need to be “trained” for each child, as they are all different.
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I much enjoyed this Norah thanks for sharing Kathy’s story and her books on ASD. Have a lovely weekend!
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