ABSTRACT
Disciplining pupils with Asperger Syndrome (AS) is contentious because AS is a neuro-physiological disorder. 'Bad' behaviour may be a result of the condition. A meltdown is often when it occurs. In this state they rarely know what is happening or what they are doing. It can be frightening. If it is a sensory overload, disciplining the pupil is inappropriate; schools need to take responsibility to meet the needs of pupils with AS. Often in schools punishments are reactive: the pupil does something the teacher finds objectionable, therefore the teacher decides to punish them. The punishment is then decided on the spot and handed out, usually a detention during lunch, break or after school, or internal exclusion whereby the pupil is removed from the lesson and sent to the exclusion room to work for the rest of the day. The problem arises when that action is bad behaviour that causes the teacher to shout and reprimand the pupil.
