A Narrative and Poetic Exploration into Self-Defining Asperger’s: Ceasing to be X-1

<p>Research has found that females on the autism spectrum often spend years not understanding why they are different resulting in experienced otherness. My self-directed study written through narrative and poetry-explored the story of a non-traditional graduate student on the autism spectrum at a university. This thesis addresses the question “how is identity shaped through life events”? Looking inside the layers and doorways of self challenged my own long held assumptions of difference and marginalization. Acceptance of self is a lifetime journey. The result showed mentoring is a critical function of academic and personal success. Suggestions are provided to educators to see the person as an individual, look for the twice-gifted student, and attempt to understand the feelings of marginality. These suggestions are presented with the hope of bringing insight and awareness to educators’ understanding of individuals on the wide spectrum called Autism.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts (MA)

Level thesis:degree_level

Chapman access only

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Special Education

Year

2015

Author dc:creator

• Boskovich, Lisa

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dawn Hunter
• Margie Sauceda Curwen
• Kris De Pedro
• Gail Stearns

• Aspergers
• special education
• my journey
• Mental Disorders
• Special Education and Teaching

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.chapman.edu/ces_dissertations/3

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.chapman.edu:ces_dissertations-1002