Prospectus Part 2

1.         Baron-Cohen, Simon. Asperger’s and Self-Esteem.   Arlington, TX.: Future Horizons, 2002  

 

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.

 

2.         American Psychiatric Association.  Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. (Fourth Edition).  Washington, DC 1994

 

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.

Prospectus

      There are many stereotypes portrayed in the popular media that are based on limited observation and or half truths.  For example, the “dumb blond”, the “jolly” obese individual, the “nerdy” scientists geek and the “book wormy” library type.  Mostly, modern portrayals of these stereotypes are harmless and may make for interesting movies or entertainment.  I am victim to these same stereotypes because I am tall.  I am often asked if I play basketball and when I say no I play soccer, it is as if I am in someway disappointing them.  Also, when I was in high school, when I was asked where I was going to college and I stated Purdue for engineering people seemed to assume that I was really intelligent.  These stereotypes are amusing but is there any sliver of fact or truth in these stereotypes and what has kept them around for so long?      In this proposal, 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.  In addition, if only true for a fraction of the scientist’s population, this may help with our understanding of these individuals and offer avenues for possible intervention.  According to researcher Simon Baron-Cohen (2002), he has found that the family history of people with Asperger’s Syndrome contains significantly more engineers.  The December 2001 issue of “Wired” magazine reported a higher incidence of autism and Aspergers’ Syndrome in communities containing many people in computing and technology fields.  Some very famous scientists have reported experiencing symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome.  In his book, Asperger’s and Self-Esteem, Norm Ledgin (2002) identified fifteen prominent scientists, statesman, musicians and even a President of the USA as having symptomatology similar to Asperger’s.  Some names mentioned by Ledgin are: Thomas Jefferson, Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin, Orson Wells, Gregor Mendel, Carl Sagan, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Marie Curie.     The estimate of how frequently Asperger’s Syndrome occurs is running fairly steadily at one in 250 births (Ledgin, 2002).   Asperger’s Syndrome represents a behavioral syndrome that is often lifelong and may severely limit an individuals global functioning and adjustment.  The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) and the International Classification of Disease (ICD-10) define Asperger’s Syndrome as a Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD).  As in any behavioral syndrome, there are marked differences in severity and functioning.  Without repeating the entire DSM IV standard, I will sum up the main points.  On the interactive side individuals diagnosed with Asperger’s have at least two of the following four: 1). An observable disability in nonverbal behavior; 2). Failures in peer relationships; 3). A lack of positive sharing and 4). Relative numbness in social or emotional relationships.  In terms of behavioral characteristics that do not rely on interaction an individual must exhibit one of the following: 1). Fixations or conspicuous over focusing; 2). Nonfunctional routines; 3). Odd motor mannerisms and 4). Persistent attachment to parts of objects.  It can be said that at one time or another we all have had and have experienced some of these “criteria”.  The diagnosis is based on the individual’s self assessment, detailed interviews with family members and with new technology such as the PET scan.     The focus of this proposal is to determine if some student scientists may benefit from a clearly defined plan that will enhance self understanding by offering symptom clarification and intervention strategies.  This will not lead to a formal diagnosis of any alleged psychiatric disorder but clearly an educational approach to foster competence in social and emotional situations.  This may be critical to some engineering students and to others students who encounter such student to offer a degree of compassion and kindness.  Since most of the issues that these students face are interacting and relating to others.  With engineering being a study so intense and heavy in both math and science courses, it leaves little time for these students to socialize and gain expertise in social situations.   My proposal is to elicit the help of Purdue’s Counseling Center staff and propose to them the possible need to offer a social etiquette class and social skills training class for identified students.  These students could come from any academic discipline but targeting the engineering and computer science students.   Students could be referred to this group or class by their academic advisor or they could be self referred. This class could help these individuals to understand their innate differences and offer social skill strategies to promote more appropriate social awareness and enhanced social judgment.  This could be offered as a non-threatening program similar to the social etiquette class that business executives receive before they travel to foreign countries.  Another option could be to offer a workshop type class for all Purdue engineering and computer science students.  I am aware that not all students are in need of this type of class but everyone can learn something to gain social competency.  The class could entail subjects like how to open a conversation, communication skills with students outside of their technical field, topics such as appropriate dress for a given professional situation and how to act in a job interview.             My research strategy is going to be look up in more detail how individuals are affected by Asperger’s and what may be the best way to help them.  I can conduct interviews with psychologist who have seen the situation many times before and know how to go about it.  Also, I can talk about my own experiences dealing with a student diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. For example, I went to an engineering and technology conference in California two years ago and my roommate had Asperger’s Syndrome. He related a history of participation in professional intervention.  He appeared to be a genius with math and science.  He had to design a solution to a given technical problem and then present it.  He stayed up all night computing calculations and he did not eat supper or breakfast before the presentation. He stated that he forgot to eat.  Also, he “forgot” to shower, brush his teeth, comb his hair or change his clothes before the presentation.  He stated that he did not do well on his presentation even though it was correct.  He was accepted to MIT for engineering as he will be the third generation from his family to attend MIT.  He will probably graduate at the top of his class.  I think this experience is probably more similar for some students than is realized or publicized. As for my proposal, interviewing current engineers in the field will help with what topics need to be covered.  From the limited research I reviewed, it appears that there is a growing number of students who may benefit from this type of class.

Analysis of Visual Argument

http://www.time.com/time/photoessays/shattered/1.html  The visual argument I chose was Shattered by James Nachtwey.  The main point of the argument is that many people suffered because of the September 11^th terrorist attacks.  The piece does a very good job conveying the message with many pictures showing the buildings and the people.  There is nothing in the argument but visual effects.  I do not feel that much more is necessary because the pictures pretty much say it all.  There are pictures of people screaming and people coughing along with a picture of a police car so you can just imagine what all these things would have sounded like together.  I feel that the argument is very effective in that it shows many pictures of people and you can the expressions on their faces and know how they feel.  It also shows the tower collapsing from different angles to really give the viewer some perspective.  I do not feel there is any question as to the ethos of this visual argument.  This is not the type of piece that someone would put a spin on.  I also do not think that anyone would have altered the pictures because of the content they contain.  The piece is also from an award winning photo journalist and he has his reputation riding on them.  The argument does the best job of establishing pathos because of all the pictures of people.  The first picture has a cross with the tower collapsing in the background.  This picture appeals to many people because it signifies our freedom of religion.  The other pictures are also very touching with the people wearing gas mask and looking absolutely miserable.  I think the picture that stood out most to me was the one where everyone is covered in dust and a man has a bottle of water.  I do not really what it was about the picture but you can clearly see the expressions on everyone’s faces.  It does not take much to see from the pictures that many people suffered as a result of the attacks.  I think the audience for this people is the entire world but especially Americans.

The guide book that I looked at was Rick Steves’ France.  My family used this book when we went to Paris.  The book was very good and helped us get by in the foreign city.  Other guidebooks just talk about the attractions and what are good places to stay.  Rick Steves’ books are very detailed and updated regularly.  It says everything from tips about dining to navigating the subway.  The thing that really impressed me with the book was that everything was from the perspective as a tourist.  When we went to the Eiffel tower the book not only told us how to get by but also gave us some history of the landmark.  My mom was able to read the book when we on the top and tell us about the early days of the Eiffel tower as it was used as a radio tower.  This was very nice and it saved us money.  The book also tells the best way the normal tourist route.  It tells where the pick pockets will be especially bad and ways to avoid them.  This came in handy when we went to Notre-dame.  We were able to avoid the long lines because we bought our tickets across the street.

Narrative Argument

On a cold winters night in West Lafayette, Indiana I was diligently doing my math homework.  I had been working for a few hours when I heard my stomach growl and knew that I needed to get something to eat.  I knew going to get some dinner would involve going outside and braving the harsh elements but the food at Earhart dining court is easily worth the walk.  It really did not appeal to me to have to walk through the deep snow, slippery ice, sub zero temperatures, and the very real threat of hypothermia but I needed to eat to survive.  My stomach was ready to devour itself so I knew that I had to do it.  I called some friends to see if they wanted to set out on an epic journey.  The buddy system is a very important and safe method to use when going out in the cold.  I managed to find some willing participants to go out in the cold with me.  We bundled up and put on layer upon layer of clothing.  I put on long underwear, a thermal top, wool socks, two sweatshirts, jeans, sweat pants and a jacket. 

We set out for the elevator with all our winter gear on.  We walked outside into a brutal snowstorm with winds that were at least fifty miles per hour but I knew the food at Earhart would be worth the walk.  It was this time that I realized that I had forgotten my hat and gloves.   This scared me to no end as I remember from school that most of your heat loss is from the top of your head.  I was absolutely terrified of the thought of getting frost bite on my fingers.  This would inhibit my ability to type papers and play basketball.  I knew after I saw the obnoxiously long line to get into Earhart dining hall that I would have to go back and get my hat and gloves.  As I ran back to Harrison Hall, I slipped and fell on a patch of ice.  My bare hands hit the ground with so much that I thought I had broken them.  To make the situation worse I sliced my hands open on a jagged piece of ice from finger to wrist.  My delicate hands bled profusely for at least ten minutes.  To add insult to injury, I had fallen in front of a large group of people who were laughing at me and did not even bother to help.  I was able to pick myself up with a few scrapes and a bruised ego.  I cautiously walked the rest of the way back to the dorm.  The visibility was poor because there was so much snow coming down and the bitter wind hurt my eyes. 

I managed to make it back alive and ride the elevator to my floor.  As I entered the room, my roommate asked what happened to me.  I replied with growl and said I will tell you later.  I grabbed my hat and gloves and started to make my way back to the elevator.  The hallway was very warm so I began to perspire.  With all the clothing that I had put on previously, I began to have second thoughts.  I made it downstairs and walked outside.  The cold winter air was very refreshing and gave me a sense of security.  I made it back to Earhart dining hall without falling.  The line to get in was longer than it was previously and it did not appear that my friends had moved an inch.  I started to stand in line and think about what I wanted to eat for dinner.  It was at this time that I realized how cold it really was outside.  We were all shivering from the cold and our teeth were chattering teeth.  We survived the line and got to the check in counter where the woman sitting there said “Hi, how are you?”  To humor her I responded with I have actually never been better. 

 I walked into the dining and the smell of the food made me feel that the journey was well worth it.  We got our trays and began the search for food.  The lines for everything were very long so we had to wait some more.  I thought this would not be a problem because it was warm.  The line that I picked happened to be right next to the door so once again I was cold.  I got my food and then set out to find something to drink.  I got a glass of water but I filled it up too much.  I regrouped with friends and we tried to find a table.  We must have walked around the dining court five times in our quest to find a table that could fit six.  After a good ten minutes we found a table and had a rather enjoyable dinner.  We made it back to the dorm room without incident because of the strength we had gotten from the amazing food at Earhart dining court.  To this day we still joke about the experience.

Howl

My Interpretation of Howl by Allen Ginsberg

 

I did not really understand the poem.  It seemed like he was just jumping around from point to point with no clear sense of direction or topic.  From what I could make of it, Allen Ginsberg seemed to be talking about some of his life experiences.  It also seems like he is talking about the state people are in and what the world is coming to.

Jack Kerouac

Jack Kerouac is regarded as the father of the beat generation.  He inspired a generation of writers and musicians.  Kerouac’s parents emigrated from Quebec so his first language was French.  He attended Columbia University on a football scholarship.  Kerouac was a heavy drinker and died at the age of 47.

 Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Kerouac