Alexandria Brown

Hampton University
September 9, 2016

The Effects of Asperger Syndrome in the Black Home

When growing up as a young African American male living with Aspergers syndrome, it
is very difficult to handle without the proper support. One may feel like he is not understood or is
alone during the time of his diagnosis. Living in America in the black community as an African
American male, one already has a standard to uphold. Young males try to make themselves
seemingly confident and courageous. Unfortunately when someone deals with an undiagnosed or
wrongfully diagnosed disorder, it may take that confidence away. It can make life more difficult
for them to handle and the people around them may not understand what is going on.
Asperger syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) considered to be on the high
functioning end of the spectrum (Autism Speaks Inc., 2016). Autism is a pervasive
developmental disorder that involves abnormal development and function of the brain. People
with autism show decreased social communication skills and restricted or repetitive patterns of
behaviors or interests (University of California, San Diego, 2016). This means that unlike other
forms of autism, people with Asperger are more social with people. They can be more vocal but
often not as socially stable as a normal person. Students with Asperger syndrome may experience
difficulties performing simple tasks in the classroom. Things like paying attention to instruction
or being bullied by their peers who do not understand their disability (Sterzing, Shattuck,
Narendorf , Wagner, Cooper, 2012). It is very common that minorities had documented

diagnostics of autism (Mandell, 2009). They also get diagnosed when the child is practically
facing a lot of hardship in school.
From my research, I have concluded that many people initially are wrongfully diagnosed
with other disorders such as Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The
reasoning for this is because they have similar symptoms and the lack of social skill, what
Aspergers focal point is, is mistaken for lack of attention, which is what ADHD focuses on
(Autism Speaks Inc., 2016). For some African American Families little information is given to
them about what is happening to their family members. For example, I have a cousin whose
name is Michael Gregg, he has Aspergers and initially we did not know what was wrong with
him. Although we noticed that his behavior was obviously unusual, we did not have an
understanding on what was going on with him. My personal relationship with him was very
negative. We would get into arguments and fights a lot and did not understand each other. Later I
found out that children with Aspergers flexibility and inability to cope with change causes
these individuals to be easily stressed and emotionally vulnerable (Williams, 1995).
I decided to get his point of view of how this battle was for him from the past to present
day. I began with asking him to provide me with a brief summary of his first memories of
battling with Asperger syndrome. He stated, When I was young some kids and other people did
not understand the way I acted. They thought I was dumb, some used the word mentally retarded.
A lot of the time it was really offensive because I was smart but not in the true potential I am
today (Gregg, 2016).
I then asked him what did your family think about that: A lot of times it was confusing
for me with my mom and dad because they didnt know why I was acting this way. I wasnt

concentrating in school, I wasnt concentrating at home, and I was completely wild. I would
stutter a lot (Gregg, 2016). During class he would make noises or do random stuff that would
not even pertain to things. Michael did not start seeing any changes until very late in his
adolescence time when he transitioned to high school. Until he went to dc prep and took a
placement test; from there he was prescribed medication. My perception of how I acted didnt
change but I noticed the appropriate time to be myself, act crazy, at certain times (Gregg, 2016).
When Michael referred to the pill he was telling me about the medication called Adderall.
Michael takes this medication once a day before he leaves out of his home to go school.
Next I asked him to tell me some things that his mom and dad would say to you and act.
Before they knew what was going on with me they disciplined me like a normal child because I
acted out in school. They would get on me for stupid stuff like one time we were at my old house
with me my mom and sister. It was my birthday and my mom got me a sweater and I had cut up
and she got mad. I couldnt remember why I did it though. I began to slightly feel bad for
Michael and what he went through.
Since he is my first cousin I was able to see him often which means I got first experience
in seeing the adversities he was faced with. One time in school I acted out and had a tantrum
and they called my parents. The teacher told his parents that she was afraid of him because of
how he was. It was kind of messed up because she was afraid of a little kid (Gregg. 2016).
This shows how severe Michaels condition was. He was becoming out of control and there was
no one on his side to help him through his troubling times.
But now that they know whats wrong with me they try to communicate with me which
helps me. They make sure that Im only taking my pill only for school (Gregg, 2016). Why

dont you take it on the weekends? I asked. Because weekends are my free time, I can be
concentrated on myself Michael answered. What does that mean? I replied. Ive gotten to
the point where I feel like I am not that dependent on the pill anymore because I feel like the pill
is a training wheel and I dont need those training wheels as much. Before the pill I used to get
Ds and Fs but now I get As and Bs and honor roll.(Gregg, 2016). I translated that response as
the Adderall has helped him become more controlling over his actions and thoughts overtime and
not just as a controlling substance. And even though I know Im on honor roll I dont like to
gloat about it because then I would have all these students asking me for help with school and Id
rather have my parents just know (Gregg, 2016). Michael did not like a lot of attention from
students at school. On the other hand, during the weekends when he is not on the pill he likes to
interaction with his family member. For example, my grandmother, aunt, mother and his sister
would be having a conversation and he would randomly interrupt us to say something off topic
that he thought was interesting. To us we would be kind of confused while he would think that it
was the funniest joke ever told. Next I as if he likes who he has become. He answers Yeah,
because its me. I dont want to be a failure [in school]. Ive gotten to this point where Im
succeeding in school Ive gotten honor roll from the beginning of my freshman year till now
which is my sophomore year (Gregg, 2016).
What about your social life? I asked. Right now, Im not very social with people. I do
talk to my friends at school but I dont have any connections with them outside of school. My
dad talks to me about that but I dont really care. I am a loner, I like being by myself. In school I
like working by myself. I used to have friends around my neighborhood but most of them moved
out (Gregg, 2016). You said most, where are the rest? I dont know, I havent seen them, I just
assume that they may still be around but I might be wrong. I dont feel bad being lonely. I feel

like being independent sometimes. I do like being social on the video game but not when it
comes to feel life. I can be a little bit awkward. Most recently I started going outside during
recess because I used to stay inside in the lunch room (Gregg, 2016). Why I was bored, they
didnt have anything fun outside, all they had was football and basketball. But now I play
football with the students and Im actually good. Some people ask me why Im not on the team
and its because I only play it when Im bored. I love video games (Gregg, 2016).

Lastly I asked Michael to tell me more experiences he has had with the rest of our family.
Sometimes I can mess around a little too far sometimes with Taylor (his cousin) that it even
angers her. She would tell me to do something to stop screaming when Im playing my video
game and I wont listen to her. It can really annoy Lauren. Its almost like an annoying love
relationship with my sister (Gregg, 2016).
Having a conversation with a young African American male with Aspergers syndrome
and getting to know information about the effects first hand is not comparable to solely doing
research on the internet. It was very difficult to handle without the proper support which made
him feel like he is not understood or was alone during the time of his diagnosis. Going through
the difficulties he was faced with has helped shape him into the man he is still developing to be
and he continues to make his family very proud.

Sources
Autism Speaks Inc. (2016). Asperger Syndrome. September 8, 2016
https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/asperger-syndrome
Gregg Michael. Personal Interview. March 29, 2016.
Paul R. Sterzing, PhD, MSSW; Paul T. Shattuck, PhD; Sarah C. Narendorf, PhD,
MSW; Mary Wagner, PhD; Benjamin P. Cooper, MPH. (November 2012). Bullying
Involvement and Autism Spectrum Disorders. September 8,2016
http://archpedi.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleID=1355390
University Of California, San Deigo. (2016). What is Autism?. September
7,2016 https://autism-center.ucsd.edu/autism-information/Pages/what-isautism.aspx
Williams, K. (1995). Understanding the Student With Asperger's Syndrome:
Guidelines for September 7,2016 http://www.google.com/url?
sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&sqi=2&ved=0ahUKEwjAmZrD2vDKAh
WJ8CYKHcEyARgQFgghMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aspennj.org%2Fpdf
%2Finformation%2Farticles%2Funderstanding-the-student-with-aspergerssyndrome.pdf&usg=AFQjCNFvioyzfepElMKkM94PsZH50VLuQw&sig2=Wf2x2_zbIDiNy
X3Qep0HuQ&bvm=bv.113943164,d.eWE

RUBRIC
A

Specific, developed
analysis and
insightful

Analysis is
generally sound but
could be more

General and/or
undeveloped
analysis.

Analysis is sparse
and lacks insight.

Quality of Analysis
25 pts.

Observations about
writing.

specific or insightful
in some areas.

Support information
is related to analysis
and relevant to the
claims about the
writing..

Support
information has
minor
weaknesses
relative to
analysis and/or
relevance to the
writing.

Support information
has major
weaknesses relative
to analysis and/or
relevance to the
writing.

An attempt has been

made to add suppor
information, but the
claims were
unrelated or
confusing.

The introduction is
strong, states the
main points, and
provides an
overview of the
paper. Information
is relevant and
presented in a
logical order. The
conclusion is
strong.

The introduction
states the main
points and provides
an overview of the
paper. Information
is generally
presented in a
logical order, but
there may be some
gaps. A conclusion
is included.

The introduction
states the main topic
and provides an
overview of the
paper. A conclusion
is included.

The introduction
states the main
topic. A conclusion
is included.

Demonstrates skillful
writing fluency,
exhibits no or few
grammar and
mechanical errors.
Academic voice,
third person, tense
are consistent.
Writing is clear.

Demon-strates
good writing
fluency, exhibits
minor grammar and
mechanical errors.
Academic voice,
third person, tense
are mostly
consistent. Writing
is clear.

Demon-strates
adequate writing
fluency, exhibiting
a fair number of
grammar and
mechanical
errors. Aca-demic
voice, third person,
and tense are
somewhat
consistent. Writing
could be clearer.

Demonstrates
limited writing
fluency, exhibits
numerous grammar
and mechanical
errors. Academic
voice, third person,
and tense are
inconsistent. Writing
is unclear.

Meets MLA formats

for in-text citations
and reference page
requirements/ page
layout and citation
format criteria found

Meets MLA formats

for in-text citations
and reference page
requirements Most
assignment
guidelines met. A

One or more major

in-text citation
and/or reference
page requirements
not met -assignment
guidelines evidence

Many major in-text

citation or reference
page requirements
missing or incorrect/
many guideline or
format errors. Lengt

Development
25 pts.

Organization
20 pts.

Writing Fluency
20 pts.

MLA Formatting
10 pts.

in assignment
guidelines.
Acceptable length
for topic/
assignment.

few minor format

errors.

formatting errors/
Length is either too
short or too long.

is either too short or

too long.

Total 78
Alex,
This is obviously a topic that youre very passionate about; it is approved. You have
some good dialogue happening with Michael, and the research you did will serve
you well when we get to that point in the course. However, youre letting your
dialogue serve as a crutch; I wanted to hear more of your voice in the story. The
overuse of dialogue made it much longer than it needed to be for the purposes of
this assignment. You also dont really mention who your audience is and what you
hope to explore or learn through this topic. You also have a number of mixed
sentence constructions, and you didnt use MLA format.
That being said, your choice of topic is sound; I look forward to seeing your process
in learning about it throughout the course.
Dr. Wynne