An Autoethnographic Approach to Understanding Asperger's Syndrome: A Personal Exploration of Self-Identity through Reflexive Narratives

Wiley-Blackwell. 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148. Tel: 800-835-6770; Tel: 781-388-8598; Fax: 781-388-8232; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/

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Asperger Syndrome; Ethnography; Self Concept; Personal Narratives; Researchers; Guidelines; Diaries; Metacognition; Role Playing; Drama; Biographies; Communication Skills; Educational Experience; Work Experience; Teaching Methods

10.1111/j.1468-3156.2012.00738.x

1354-4187

This article makes use of autoethnography in which I, as researcher, explore my own awareness of Asperger's syndrome and how this, in turn, has helped me deal with many day to day situations I have encountered. The work illustrates how actively engaging with one's own life story narratives can help the Asperger's learner come to terms with his or her Asperger's self. The work makes use of symbolic interactionism to construct an outward image of the self and then use this projection to play out and engage with the social situations one encounters. The article begins with a brief biographic picture of stages of my school and college journey. This places the work in context. It then discusses the autoethnography approach I use to examine aspects of myself, and how symbolic interactionism provides a framework with which to explore social action in the learning context. Examples from personal journals are used to illustrate aspects of my quest to understand the nature and essence of my Asperger's self.

As Provided

21

2012

EJ970967