Our Asperger’s Programs

Asperger’s Syndrome – An Overview

Like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Asperger’s Syndrome (AS), is a Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD). It is characterized by challenges in social interaction, the development of relationships, and a restrictive concentration on a limited subject matter. Specifically, those with Asperger’s often have difficulties expressing empathy and interpreting non-verbal language cues. They often adhere to rigid beliefs or schedules and struggle adapting to unexpected changes that interrupt daily routines. It may be difficult for a person with Asperger’s to seek out and/or maintain friendships. There are no clinically significant cognitive impairments associated with Asperger’s Syndrome.

Asperger’s Programs at League School of Greater Boston

At the League School, we address the needs of students with Asperger’s in a variety of proven and effective ways. Through extensive collaboration with formal and informal assessments, each student is provided accommodations that are unique to their own needs. Curriculum is devised by matching established Massachusetts’ state frameworks to such accommodations, thereby yielding an optimal environment for each student to experience success in the classroom.

To provide each student with the most-encompassing educational experience, one major component of our Asperger’s programs is our many vocational and internship opportunities. Aside from traditional electives such as gym, art, and music, the League School provides designated class time focusing on cooking and social pragmatics. Students also have opportunities to work in the school store selling lunch and snack items throughout the day, as well as participate in our Pathfinder’s Publishing class, which introduces students to the art of drafting various forms of publications. These classes not only expose students to new and exciting opportunities, but also address individual student needs in non-traditional academic settings, thereby enhancing their true understanding of goals put in place to address their specific needs.

Another one of the more beneficial elements of our Asperger’s Programs are community trips which involve classrooms venturing outside of our building to focus on individual student skills as they pertain to the successful navigation of places such as supermarkets, post offices, restaurants, and other frequently-visited establishments. Student progress is measured on these trips, just as in a regular academic setting. For example, from one week to the next, teachers can track data pertaining to how students progress in successfully asking for assistance if they cannot locate an item in a supermarket, or remembering that when in a restaurant, to maintain appropriate language and volume when speaking. Gaining these skills is just as important as academics in educating a student with Asperger’s.

Finally, the League School is very excited about our new internship program, which involves students leaving school with a staff member to work at various businesses in the community. The League School pays students to work at places such as CVS, the chamber of commerce, Siemens, and New England Sinai Hospital, enabling students to experience the real-life workforce in a safe and nurturing environment, all while having their progress tracked, just as in the classroom.