Abstract

Previous research has found a dearth of knowledge of Asperger's syndrome across many different professions (Beischer, 2011; Murphy, 2005; Rahbar, Schwartz & Drager, 2008; Ibrahim, & Assassi, 2011). The purpose of this study was to examine post-secondary professors' and disability support staff members' knowledge of Asperger's syndrome at public and private institutions, both with and without specific programs for college students with Asperger's syndrome. An adapted version of the Knowledge of Asperger's Scale (Murphy, 2005) was distributed to professors and disability support staff members at eight different institutions, and the data collected from the survey was used to measure knowledge of Asperger's syndrome, self-perceived ability to accommodate students with Asperger's syndrome, and general exposure to Asperger's syndrome. The results indicated that overall, professors generally lack knowledge of Asperger's syndrome. However, professors at institutions with programs for college students with Asperger's syndrome showed greater knowledge on the KASP than professors at institutions without programs. Disability support staff members displayed a high level of knowledge, and no significant differences were found between disability support staff members as a function of the institutions' status as either having a program or not having a program. A general lack of knowledge among professors was consistent with previous research (Besicher, 2011), and consistent with research on knowledge of Asperger's syndrome of other professions as well (Rahbar, Schwartz, & Drager, 2008; Ibrahim & Assassi, 2011).

Advisor

Furey, Joan

Department

Communication Studies

Keywords

asperger's syndrome, knowledge of asperger's syndrome, post-secondary institutions, college students with asperger's syndrome

Publication Date

2012

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2012 Elizabeth A. Beal