Aspergers Syndrome

Determining others needs or feelings through their facial expressions is a form of communication.  People with Aspergers Syndrome often have an inability to read facial cues and are not able to translate their meaning.  This is another area that can be taught to people with Aspergers. 

First you need to obtain a group of pictures of facial expressions.  These can be purchased from various places online or at bookstores.  These also could be taken with your camera and a few friends!  Start with the basics of sad, angry, happy, scared, etc.  Explain each part of the face and how it identifies the specific emotion.  For example when smiling the mouth is turned up, and the eyes are wide and “smiling” also.  Angry may have clentched teeth and squinted eyes.  Many expressions have more to do with the eyes then anything else.  Describe each picture in depth.  Then review the pictures like flash cards and have them identify each face.  While watching television have them identify the emotion of the people they are watching.   Once they have basic facial expressions down move to others such as confused, bored, excited, etc. 

Also explain the importance of the non-verbal communication of facial expressions.  Most people will not tell you how they are feeling, but you can “read” it on their face.