Asperger Syndrome and Academic Achievement

Abstract

This study focused on identifying the academic characteristics of children and youth Who have Asperger syndrome (AS). Significant numbers of school-age children have AS, yet little is knoWn about the unique educational features of individuals With this pervasive developmental disorder. TWenty-one children and youth With diagnoses of AS Were assessed using the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT; Psychological Corp., 1992), the Test of Problem Solving—Elementary, Revised (TOPS-R; Zachman, Barrett, Huisingh, Orman, & LoGiudice, 1994), and the Test of Problem Solving— Adolescent (TOPS-A; Zachman, Barrett, Huisingh, Orman, & Blagden, 1991). The study revealed the academic achievement, problem-solving, and critical thinking traits of school-age children and youth Who have AS. Results are discussed in the context of their implications for identifying and developing educational plans and strategies