Georgia Asperger's Organization
(GAO)


Marcia Singson, Founder and CEO of Georgia Asperger's Organization, is a loving and devoted parent
of two beautiful and wonderful well rounded teenager's, one of whom was recently
diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome (a neurological condition).
Marcia has participated in several local and regional parenting and educational workshops
and training seminars to better equip her for the high and stressful demands of
special needs and single parenting.  She assists in empowering and encouraging other interested families.

Georgia Asperger's Organization is a parent led organization dedicated to reaching and teaching the families of
Barrow and surrounding counties about Asperger's, PDD,  and HFA (high functioning autism) through
family and community events, workshops, and monthly meetings.  

As always, we welcome volunteers interested in joining with us
in our endeavors to educate and equip all person's interested
in helping our local and growing families.
Feel free to email us at any time with ideas, resources, suggestions, or questions.
Marcia Singson

Great Resources for:

Organizational Skills
and ASD

MONARCH
INCLUSION CORNER

National Autism
Conference NAC
November 2007
Program Guide
in PDF format

An
Educator’s Guide
to
Asperger Syndrome
Social Skills Group
development is
available for
children with
High-Functioning
Autism and
Asperger's Disorder
For more
information call Dr.
Erica Kasler with
Positive Outcomes
in Athens, Ga at
706-546-8440
Pathway's
Transition Program
provides therapy
and advocacy within
your home.  
For more
information call:
770-294-0111
Disclaimer: We have provided a link to these sites because they have information that may be of interest to you. GAO does not
necessarily endorse the views or information presented on these sites. Furthermore, GAO does not endorse any commercial products or
information that may be presented or advertised on these sites.
Fast Facts –Regarding Asperger’s Syndrome (AS)
and High Functioning Autism (HFA)

            Person’s with AS / HFA usually:

  1. May be visual thinkers and learners
  2. Are very literal in their thoughts and interpretations
  3. Have average to above average IQ's
  4. May have strong verbal skills
  5. Are routine oriented and rule-based in their behavior
  6. Are not flexible in their thinking
  7. May have difficulty socializing with others
  8. Obsess around their favorite things and interests
  9. Have difficulty understanding another's point of view and ideas
  10. Have difficulty reading the behavior of others
  11. Experience difficulty in making or keeping eye contact
  12. Are uncoordinated and dislike physical activity including sports
  13. Are very vulnerable to stress and high levels of anxiety
  14. Find emotions difficult to express, discuss,  or understand
  15. Have sensory integration difficulties and seek sensory stimulation and input

Person’s with AS / HFA may display some or all  
   of the following characteristics:

  1. Socially awkward
  2. Naive and gullible (easy target for bullies)
  3. Often unaware of others' feelings
  4. Limited play and leisure skills
  5. Unusually accurate memory for details
  6. Difficulty with sleeping or eating
  7. Trouble with organizational skills
  8. Easily upset by changes in routines
  9. Unusual and very intense areas of interests
  10. Lack peer and friendship establishment
  11. Limited or immature conversation skills (difficulties with give and take)
  12. Unusual or conflicting body language or facial expressions, e.g., smiling when
    telling something sad
  13. Unusual speech patterns (repetitive and/or irrelevant remarks)
  14. Unusually loud, high or monotone voice or stilted manner of speaking
  15. Difficulty managing stress, frustration

10 Suggested Intervention Strategies

  1. Provide environmental supports (visual and organizational supports, preferential
    seating, travel card, and a home base/safe person).
  2. Set clear expectations and boundaries. Post them on the wall.
  3. Provide instructions in verbal and written form as much as possible.
  4. Modify assignments and homework for length, quantity and amount of written
    language required. Provide homework checklists and an extra set of text books.
  5. Augment curriculum with enrichment activities and other high interest materials.
  6. Allow the person to earn free-time daily to be used as he/she wants.
  7. Program and assist the student in planning for unstructured times (hallway
    transitions, recess, PE, bus rides, before and after school wait times).
  8. Facilitate social memberships (program for daily opportunities for the person to
    interact and develop relationships/friendships). Provide social skill instruction on
    a consistent basis and use practice and or modeling and or role-playing.
  9. Act as an interpreter; find out what the current social topics and slang are and
    teach these to the person with AS / HFA
  10. Teach peers how to interact appropriately and understand the person.
Turn Around
Therapy
provides
Speech Therapy and
Tutoring Services
Call 770-868-5810
Tantrumming / melt downs

Can they be prevented?

HARMONIOUS
ENVIRONMENT

Can I have it?
Counter
"If you are getting ready for the new school
year & need weighted lap pads, blankets, or
vests you can contact Anne at
stitchesbyanne@ gmail.com  

Anne Perry
Forsyth GA (Monroe County)

Stitches by Anne
Weighted Blankets, Vests, Lap Pads, Hats, &
Critters for Sensory Integration Dysfunction
www.stitchesbyanne. info
Please Visit!