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Perceptions of school by two teenage boys with Asperger syndrome and their mothers: a qualitative study

Carrington, Suzanne B. and Graham, Lorraine (2001) Perceptions of school by two teenage boys with Asperger syndrome and their mothers: a qualitative study . Autism : The International Journal of Research and Practice 5(1):pp. 37-48.

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Abstract

This qualitative study aimed to develop an understanding of the challenges faced by teenage boys with Asperger syndrome and their mothers. A case study approach was used to collect data from two 13-year-old boys who have Asperger syndrome and their mothers in Queensland, Australia. Data were collected through the use of semi¬structured interviews. The words of the boys and their mothers provide a valuable insight into the personal experiences and feelings of the par¬ticipants. An inductive approach to data analysis identified four themes: (1) developmental differences; (2) problems associated with the general characteristics of Asperger syndrome (i.e. communication and social difficulties, restricted range of interests, a need for routine); (3) stress; and (4) 'masquerading'. The first three themes relate strongly to the current literature, but the emergence of masquerading is of particular interest in developing a fuller understanding of the experiences of individuals with Asperger syndrome at school.

Item Type:Journal Article
Status:Published
Keywords:Asperger’ Syndrome: school experience: mothers:
Subjects:330000 Education > 330100 Education Studies
ID Code:1722
Deposited By:Hodgkiss, Anne
Deposited On:01 July 2005
Alternative Locations:http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1362361301005001004
Copyright Owner:Copyright 2001 Sage Publications
Copyright Statement:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.