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From Tarantulas to Toilet Brushes

Understanding the Special Interest Areas of Children and Youth With Asperger Syndrome

University of Oregon, messiers{at}uoregon.edu

The purpose of this exploratory study was to evaluate the impact of special interest areas on children and youth with Asperger syndrome (AS) and their families. The research team conducted interviews about special interests with 2 girls and 21 boys with AS, ages 7 to 21, who were eligible for services under autism and enrolled in an extended school year program. The team also received written surveys from 18 parents. Strong positive relationships were found between special interests and improvements in students' social, communication, emotional, sensory, and fine motor skills. Based on these findings, the researcher created a strength-based model of AS and special interests that emphasizes the critical need for teachers to understand and value the special interests of these students and the impact on their families.

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