Simon Baron-Cohen is a researcher in England. He conducted research on Asperger’s Syndrome and people who study engineering. I plan on quoting Dr. Simon Baron-Cohen’s research to support my thesis.
I plan on using this to define the characteristics of asperger’s syndrome. The DSM 4 is recognized throughout the United States of America as the definitive guide to mental health disorders.
3. Ledgin, Norm. Asperger’s and Self-Esteem. Arlington, TX.: Future Horizons, 2002
Mr. Ledgin wrote two books on famous people who may have had Asperger’s Syndrome. He also has a son with Asperger’s Syndrome. Mr. Ledgin has conducted exhaustive historical research correlating asperger’s syndrome with historical figures. I plan on using his research to support my ideas.
4. Anonymous. “One in eight fathers of children with autism is an engineer” Professional Engineering (2006) Vol. 19, Iss. 15; pg. 4
I plan on using this journal article to support my thesis of the relationship between engineering and asperger’s syndrome. This journal article is from the journal of professional engineering and appears to be a credible source.
5. Silberman, Steve. “The Geek Syndrome” Wired Dec. 2001: Issue 9.12
This article lends support to my thesis of the allegded link between Asberger”s and computer scientist. Wired magazine is a highly regarded magaziune among computer practitioners.
6. Interview with David Small, Ph.D
I am going to interview him because he has a Ph.D in phychology and has worked with many people who have Asperger’s Syndrome. I also feel he is a good reference because he has worked with engineers in the construction field.
7. “Asperger’s Syndrome -Symptoms” WebMD Mental Health. 4 May 2006 <http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/tc/aspergers-syndrome-symptoms?page=2>
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This article supports my paper with the connection between Asperser’s Syndrome and engineering. WebMD is a credible source and is reviewed and up dated by physicians.
8. Frith, Uta. Autism and Asperger Syndrome. Cambridge University Press, 1991
This book lends support to my thesis. It talks about Asperger’s syndrome and the effects it has on people.
9. Attwood, Tony. Asperger’s Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 1998
Tony Attwood is a respected individual and talks about Asperger’s syndrome and how to work with individuals with it. I think this will help with my proposal of help theses individuals.
10. Smith-Myles, Brenda, and Richard Sampson. Asperger Syndrome: A Guide for Educators and Parents. Pro-ed, 1997
This book also talks about Asperger’s syndrome and I plan on quoting it in my paper.
11. Grandin, Temple. Thinking in Pictures: and Other Reports from My Life with Autism. Vintage, 1996
This book talks more about autism and I feel it helps with making my paper more clear.
Reflection:
The topic for my proposal argument has changed somewhat since I started doing my research on the topic. My original topic was going to deal with the social problems of engineering students and a way to help them. As I got into my research I found that this would be a hard topic to write a research paper as there was not enough solid evidence to back up this claim. I knew I could interview people and could find information on the topic but it was mostly just people’s opinions. This was nice but it was not concrete evidence to go with a formal research paper. My topic is still along the same lines with the engineering students and all but I plan to focus my research on the possibility that there may be biological and neurological bases to help explain what lies behind the “nerdy scientists” stereotype. I also realized that I have to be very careful with writing my paper in that I do not want it to come off as being offensive to anyone. I am focusing my paper on what it is that has kept these stereotypes around for so long. This led my research to the connection between Asperger’s syndrome and technology and engineering. My paper does not in any way say that all engineers have Asperger’s syndrome. It merely says that engineers exhibit symptoms of this form of autism. This is by no means a bad thing because some very import historical figures have claimed to have had or have had symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome. I found that there is an English scientist named Simon Baron-Cohen who has conducted studies on this exact topic. He is a professor of developmental psychopathology and the director of the Autism Research Centre at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. I think that his work is very credible as he is a respected individual in his field and has a PhD. In addition I found books that lend support to my thesis. The books say that children who have Asperger’s syndrome or show some symptoms are attracted to the fields of engineering and technology. This is usually because of their attention to detail and ease of understand math, computers, and science. I am interviewing my father for one of my sources as he has a PhD in psychology and has worked with many people with Asperger’s syndrome. He also has worked with engineers as he does work in construction. I feel that his input will help make my paper stronger.
