1. Asperger's Syndrome
By Heidi Kestelyn

2. th
Hi, I'm in 4 grade and I
have Asperger's Syndrome.

3. I don't understand
why he does that!
I look like all of the other
boys but I was born with
Asperger's Syndrome.
You can't tell I have it
by looking at me. I am
unique!

4. Arggghhh!
We don't play
Recess is hard because like that
sometimes I can't tell what anymore.
the other kids are thinking.
I get mad when people change
the rules on me and don't
tell me. If you change the
rules, please tell me.

5. OUCH!
It's hard for me to
Please
control my actions.
keep
Sometimes I push
your
people. It's hard for me
hands
to keep my hands to
to
myself. Remind me
yourself.
nicely when I forget.

6. I am very sensitive to noise. I don't
When the fire alarm rings it like this
hurts my ears. I don't like loud at all!
noises or classrooms.

7. When people talk too fast it
I wish they
is hard for me to keep up
would slow
with the conversation. If you
down.
speak slowly, it really helps
me.
Yeah, I heard it is
really good. Do you
want to see it?
Hey, did you hear about that
new movie?

8. Friendships are hard for me
because I am not good at
recognizing other people's feelings.
I get nervous and may say
something that upsets you. If I do,
please tell me. I may not notice
it unless you point it out.

9. I don't see
cats and I take things literally and sometimes
dogs! I don't understand jokes.
It's raining cats
and dogs.

10. Sometimes when I work in a
group I get frustrated because
there's too much going on. If
I get frustrated remind me to
take a break.

11. Angry!!! Sometimes I get upset when
unexpected things happen. If I know
ahead of time, I can handle it better.
I don't like plans changing at the
last minute. If something is going
to change, please let me know in
advance.
There's no
library today!

12. There are many things I am really
good at. I love computers, science,
reading, and building things.

13. Here are a few facts about Asperger's
Syndrome from a book called Can I tell
you about Asperger Syndrome?
● Asperger's Syndrome is not an illness
●It's a type of autism that affects the way the
brain processes information
● Both boys and girls can have Asperger's
Syndrome
●No one knows why people have Asperger's
Syndrome

14. Thanks!
I can't The best way you can help me is
wait to to understand that having Asperger's
play! Syndrome has some challenges for
me, but if you understand them, you
can help me be successful in school.
I have Asperger's Syndrome and I
am unique!
We are playing a new
game at recess. Let me
tell you the rules!

15. Here are some ways you can help
me at school.
● Don't speak too quickly.
● Explain rules to me, and if they change, please tell me.
● If I upset you, please let me know in a kind way.
● If plans change, please give me advance warning.
● If I put my hands on you, remind me that it is not okay.
●Loud noises bother me, so please don't yell or make a loud
noise unexpectedly.
● Understand that if I work in a group I may need a break.

16. Resources
Anonymous. Interview with a 4th grade student, 2001.
Welton, Jude. Can I tell you about Asperger Syndrome?
London:Jessica Kingsleys Publishers, 2004.
Wine, Angela. What it is to be Me! An Asperger Kid Book. United
States: Fairdale Publishing, 2005.

17. Activity
Write and draw about what makes
you unique. What are you really good
at? What is challenging for you?
I am unique because________________________________.
I am really good at__________________________________.
Some things that are hard for me are___________________.