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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In order to bypass the difficulties of traffic and too much sensory input, Liane arrived at the University of Houston _____.

2. Liane states that others, even her friends, don't often notice her fitting in trick, but her daughter, _______, will often spot it.

3. The author makes the comment that trying to "meld" people into society turns people into _______ , and denies their individuality.

4. One of Liane's fears is that her children will watch her and grow up being a _______ because she is one.

5. Liane made it a practice to discover what ______ her friends made for themselves and then to follow them when she was around them.

Short Essay Questions

1. What were some of the things that Liane liked about the ditto sheets that she would rummage through the trash to find?

2. Willey states that many people with AS will never receive a diagnosis. What are some of the professions in which she suggests people with unrecognized AS people may be?

3. What social challenges did Liane describe about meeting people and wanting to give them small gifts of appreciation?

4. What are some of the things that Liane learned about herself when she was performing her speeches on stage?

5. What are some of the major traits or characteristics of people who have Asperger's Syndrome?

6. Liane's grades in high school paved the way for a college education, and she thought that only a large university would fit her academic goals. What was her experience upon arriving?

7. What does it mean that Asperger's Syndrome is on the spectrum of Autistic Disorders?

8. Liane eventually found some success in expressing herself through the speech and dramatic arts club. What did she enjoy about speech?

9. What does Willey suggest as the appropriate focus for helping those with AS to live better lives?

10. What does Liane describe as being her major social hurdle once she was at the university?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Liane stated that one of her coping strategies as a child was to compress herself into a square and symmetrical bundle.

Part 1: Why did Liane focus on the symmetry and shape of her body to bring her comfort? What would have been the effect of using a different shape?

Part 2: Why did Liane compress herself to get comfort? Of what other sensation might this compression remind her? Why would she find that comforting?

Part 3: What are some other ways Liane could get comfort that incorporated the elements of compression, squares, and symmetry?

Essay Topic 2

Liane states that Maureen and Margo, her two best friends, helped her to learn what was appropriate social behavior.

Part 1: What is the importance of having role models and behavioral models in our lives?

Part 2: What were the specific characteristics of Maureen and Margo that allowed them to be such good friends with Liane?

Part 3: How do friendships help us become who we are?

Essay Topic 3

Different perceptual experiences are one of the themes of this book.

Part 1: Do you think that some people experience their world differently than others? Why or why not?

Part 2: What are some examples of differing perceptual experiences that Liane and other people with AS encounter?

Part 3: How do Tom's experiences differ from Liane's?

(see the answer keys)

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