Harper online class for those who teach students with Asperger's

It's not uncommon for Asperger syndrome to remain undiagnosed until an affected child or adult struggles in school, at work or in their personal lives.

Identifying the autism spectrum disorder - characterized by social impairment, communication difficulties and restrictive, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior - is further complicated by the lack of a standardized diagnostic test. That's why it's incumbent on teachers and those who work closely with children to understand how to recognize behaviors that may indicate Asperger syndrome.

Harper College is launching Students with Asperger's, a new online class starting next month through its Continuing Education department. While the course is geared toward K-12 teachers, it's also relevant to parents, counselors and anyone else interested in better understanding Asperger syndrome. Students will learn how to recognize behaviors that may indicate Asperger syndrome and take away strategies for working effectively with affected students and their parents to create positive learning environments.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, experts estimate that as many as 1 in 88 children age 8 will have an autism spectrum disorder.

The online course will run Tuesday, March 4, through Saturday, March 29. Tuition is $145. For information, call (847) 925-6300 or visit harpercollege.edu/ce.