Activities for Asperger's Case Management Training

Asperger Syndrome--AS--is named for Hans Asperger, a pediatrician who identified this autism spectrum disorder in 1940. Symptoms of Asperger's include unusual speech patterns and obsessive behavior. In addition, AS sufferers may be hypersensitive to stimuli such as light or sound. Although those with AS are usually functional in daily living, they often have special educational and social needs. Those professionals who specialize in working with Asperger's-affected individuals can learn valuable insight from activities for Asperger's case management training.

IEP Role Play

• Learning how to advocate for the client's education is critical to the Asperger Syndrom case manager.

  The AS case manager must coordinate social and medical services to adequately address the client's needs. For the client with Asperger Syndrome, this includes special education under an IEP--Individualized Educational Plan--that will guide and inform the student's educational career. School personnel, including the child's teacher, parents, the case manager and others meet to create the IEP.

  During case management training, a role-playing activity that familiarizes you with IEP issues, various group dynamics, and allows you to face and navigate potential "hot button" issues is invaluable to your future effectiveness as an AS case manager. During this role play, you and your colleagues assume the parts of teacher, parents and school administrators while each person takes a turn as case manager. Using a pre-written script that outlines a sample student's issues and individual needs gives role-players a starting point for broadening the discussion. The case manager during the activity should focus on advocating for the student's best outcome.

Brainstorming

• One of the most important tools an Asperger case manager can possess is knowledge. Brainstorming with other AS professionals is extremely effective in pooling knowledge, experience and insight. One way to brainstorm in a classroom setting is to station the instructor at the blackboard to compile lists. One column might be headed "Symptoms," while another might be entitled "Abilities" and a third "Disabilities." You and your colleagues can call out items for each list, each contributing to the knowledge base of the group. When the brainstorming session is complete, copy down the lists for future reference.

Creative Writing

• Sharing insight through creative writing helps case managers in training gain valuable perspective.

  As a further way to share knowledge and insight, a weekly writing activity can effectively focus on case management for Asperger Syndrome. Essays, short fiction and poetry give voice to the various ways case managers express their advocacy. A description of a meaningful encounter or a poem in which the case manager takes the client's point of view can offer insightful perspectives that will help with future professional situations. The most important aspect of the creative writing activity is the opportunity for you and your colleagues to share your work in class and offer feedback to others.