My Journey Down the Asperger River
Little did I realize what the almost two month coaching relationship with AZ., MSW, a legally blind social worker, would open up for me. A.Z., I'm sure, could tell you exactly how many days, probably our appointment times, and a number of other details that no neurotypical would bother to remember. (After A.Z. read this, he told me that he doesn't remember all the dates and times anymore. For him, that is progress toward the world of "normal." I wonder if going toward normal is the best idea.)
Fairly early in our relationship, I suspected that A.Z. had Asperger's Syndrome. It surprised me that no rigorous, formal evaluations of his obvious sensory integration and developmental issues had taken place. Much of his life has centered on the presumption that his challenges were related to blindness. His intelligence and resourcefulness have held many potential problems at bay and delayed the inevitable questions about his social skills.
The issue of diagnosis is tricky. On one hand, it brands A.Z. with a "disorder." On the other hand it might save him from becoming suddenly unemployed because his social skills are not what his employer "expects." The issue of "diagnosis" is most tricky, however, when we look at the assumptions behind what is desired by society at large.
Should there even be a diagnosis at all? Is Asperger's Syndrome something to be treated, exorcised like a demon? This is one of the areas that I will examine later.
The coaching timeline was brief: I met A.Z. in early October, we finished our coaching relationship in December and shortly after that he was informed that he didn't meet the probationary period standards for his public service job and would be terminated. I wrote a vigorous letter in protest. As of Jan 8, 2003, we do not know the status of his job. He is still working successfully. Note: A.Z. was terminated from his job shortly after I wrote this.
He also recently has received a diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome! Scary for him to finally have to embrace that reality. A relief to me that he is now going to be able to come to terms with what I suspected all along.
We spent over 50 hours of time on the phone and in person during our coaching relationship. I developed a technique for him to use ("The Plan") when faced with situations that might lead to a disintegration of his carefully constructed "normal" behavior.
I have included my initial report, a separate copy of The Plan (which is also set in context, with a specific example of how A.Z. could use it in the Final Coaching Report.) You can also read my letter of protest and A.Z. has willingly shared an introspective paper he wrote for a social work class.
I will add my personal thoughts and A.Z. will work with me on developing links for people interested in autism, Asperger's Syndrome, and disabilities in the workplace.
You can reach A.Z. directly via his email address: Or you can email me.
First Report, Observation and Assessment
My Letter Protesting A.Z.'s Termination Hearing Notification
NOTE: A.Z. was terminated from his job
6 Feb 2003, fOR "difficulties with interpersonal skills"
A.Z.'s Letter Protesting His "Effective Immediately" Termination
email: connie
copyright 2002 constance lee menefee all rights reserved