Live Interaction: Mrs. Kilgore’s Class

Summary:
Due to complications with scheduling, I was unable to go to Glenwood as I had originally hoped. Instead, I decided to analyze an autistic boy in Mrs. Kilgore’s eighth period class. For privacy reasons, I will refrain from using this boy’s name. Because I have known him for a couple of years, I will draw from all of my experiences with him. He does not have Asperger’s Syndrome but a more severe form of autism. Regardless, he still shares symptoms of those with Asperger’s. For instance, he has a very monotone and loud voice, he continually rocks back and forth, he avoids eye contact, he has a great memory, and he has routines that he always follows. By analyzing him, I really began to understand how those with autism function.

Response:
I must admit that I really enjoyed interacting with him. I met him at the very end of my freshman year. As I was waiting for my mom to pick me up after school, I felt a light tap on my shoulder. When I turned around, I came face to face with a hand in my face. Then with a loud, monotone he said, “High five!” (Kilgore). I chuckled a bit but went ahead and gave him a high-five. He went on to introduce himself and asked what my name was. After I told him my name, he asked me what my favorite food and drink were. Little did I know, this information would remain with him for a very long time.
Every time I would see him in the hallway, he would call out my name and give me a high five. One day during my sophomore year, he came up to me and said, “Your favorite drink is Dr. Pepper, and your favorite food is chicken fingers” (Kilgore). I was taken back by that comment, for I was shocked that he could remember something like that after a year. I now know that those with autism have a very high concentration level and a great memory. Another thing that I noticed about him is that he continually rocks back and forth and avoids making eye contact with me. One day while talking with him, Mrs. Kilgore said to him, “Stop rocking. It’s impolite to rock while you are talking to someone” (Kilgore). His reply to her scolding sent me into a fit a giggles. He protested, “I don’t have to stop rocking if it doesn’t bother her. It’s okay if it doesn’t bother her. I can keep rocking” (Kilgore). I don’t know why, but I just thought that was the funniest thing. Another thing I have noticed about him is his routines. For example, every time I see him, he gives me a high five. Also, whenever I hang out with him in Mrs. Kilgore’s class, he always tells me “knock, knock” jokes that he has made up. He also likes to type numbers into a calculator and ask me what the answer to the math problem is. All in all, I think that my interactions with him have really helped me to develop a better understanding of those with Asperger’s Syndrome and autism.

Kilgore, Dawn. Personal Interview. 28 April 2009.