A phenomenological study of the lived experiences of adolescent females with Asperger Syndrome

摘要: A Phenomenological Study of the Lived Experiences Adolescent Females with Asperger Syndrome by Lisa Marie Beteta Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment Requirements for Degree Doctor Philosophy Special Education Walden University December 2008 ABSTRACT Minimal research focuses on females (AS). WithoutMinimal Without understanding experiences this population, knowledge and necessary development appropriate diagnosis supports is unavailable. The purpose phenomenological study was to gain insights into challenges faced AS describing central phenomena their lived from a critical feminist theoretical framework. Four participants were included that explored pertaining academic, home, personal, social including recollections these contexts during elementary, middle, high school. Data collected through semi-structured, indepth interviews, observations, artifacts. examined significant statements aligned focus, then coded four thematic units inform textual description synthesis shared experience. emerged victimization, anxiety, issues, age-appropriate interests. essential conclusion female adolescents share common interests, though qualitatively different, neurotypical peers while continuing battle internal external circumstances. Analysis nonconforming information pointed utility other models experience young females. This contributes positive change providing voice AS, lessening invisibility as minority within minority. Contributing such can lead better diagnostic criteria supports. M.S. Ed., Southern Oregon University, 2002 B.A., California State Fullerton, 1988 Copyright 200