Perceptions of School by Two Teenage Boys with Asperger Syndrome and their Mothers: A Qualitative Study
- 1 March 2001
- journal article
- research article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Autism
- Vol. 5 (1), 37-48
- https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361301005001004
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 participants. 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.Keywords
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