A qualitative case study research design is used to investigate the results of a
neuropsychological test battery, collated and used with four individual cases. A
literature study consisting of research with respect to AS as well as
neuropsychological assessments provides the theoretical framework from which
existing theory is tested and expanded on. The cases are analysed individually and
then by cross case analysis to ascertain any patterns of strength and weaknesses
which could result in a "typical" profile of a learner with AS.
Findings conclude confusions with respect to diagnostic criteria for AS and a
distinction of DSM-IV-TR criteria is used. The neuropsychological test battery
includes questionnaires (personal history, Gilliam Asperger's disorder scale,
Conners' parent and teacher questionnaire, Dunn's sensory profile) interviews
(parents, teachers), observations (classroom and playground) and formal testing
(intelligence, motor functions, academic achievement, theory of mind and executive
functions).
Findings from the literature show similarities between AS children and children with
non verbal learning disabilities. Evidence of AS differing from individuals with high
functioning autism is conclusive in all previous research using theory of mind tests.
Evidence from the literature shows many children had been given another diagnosis,
typically ADHD, before being given the diagnosis of AS. Additional disorders such as
anxiety and depression were also given. AS children had consistent difficulties with
social interaction.
A typical neuropsychological profile of AS is not identified, but rather a "personality
type" that is dominated by anxiety and individual "quirks" of personality which affects
responses to the formal test battery - thereby influencing the scores obtained. Two of the cases presented with an academic profile similar to that of a non verbal
learning disability and one presented with similarities with a semantic pragmatic
disorder. The thesis concludes with a proposed differentiating model of behavioural,
communication and learning disorders in which AS is defined in terms of that
originally described by Hans Asperger himself, and specifically treated within the
education environment.Educational StudiesD.Ed. (Psychology of Education
