Exploring the Perspectives of Youth With Asperger's Syndrome: A Semiotic Perspective

• In Event: 21.062 - MTCC Roundtable Session Six
  In Roundtable Session: 21.062-12 - Semiotics in Education: Roundtable Session

Abstract

This grounded theory study was designed to examine the experiences of 15 adolescents and young adults who have been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome (AS). The goal of the study was to explore the participants' experiences and understanding of the AS diagnosis, positive and challenging aspects of AS, social dynamics, and interventions. The incidence of AS is not well established due to the variable ages that individuals are diagnosed. The current rate for all forms of autism is 1 in 68 births. Males have a higher incidence of AS than females at 4:1. AS is rarely diagnosed before the age six, and the typical age range for diagnosis is 9-13. However some are not diagnosed until later adolescence or young adulthood.

Author

• John L. Rausch, John Carroll University