Date of Award
5-2015
Document Type
Chapman access only
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Special Education
First Advisor
Dawn Hunter
Second Advisor
Margie Sauceda Curwen
Third Advisor
Kris De Pedro
Fourth Advisor
Gail Stearns
Abstract
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.
Recommended Citation
Boskovich, L. (2015). A narrative and poetic exploration into self-defining Asperger’s: Ceasing to be X-1 (Doctoral dissertation). https://doi.org/10.36837/chapman.000008