A narrative inquiry into the experiences of a gifted secondary school student with Asperger Syndrome (AS)

Abstract

This narrative enquiry sought to investigate the scholastic experiences of a student diagnosed with a dual exceptionality of Asperger Syndrome (AS) and giftedness at a secondary school in Trinidad and Tobago. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and document analysis. Four themes that impacted on the quality of the student's experiences were: 1) support mechanisms, 2) peer relations, 3) need for coping mechanism (sensory domain), and 4) need for autonomy. Findings show that as a result of the enabling support mechanisms in his life, namely therapeutic and parental, the student was able to function to a great degree in his academic setting