View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Liane wanted real school supplies to play with and quickly lost interest in ______ that did not smell like new ones.

2. According to the book, those with AS may be those that _______ when they are out in public.

3. After her encounter with the man wearing the flannel shirt, Liane took a different job as a(n) _______.

4. Liane didn't realize that Asperger's syndrome was behind her difficulties in college and she was often ______ for class.

5. Liane's grades began to fall while she was in college due to _______.

Short Essay Questions

1. What advice did Liane receive from a therapist after she had completed six years of school?

2. Liane gave up swimming when she realized the bilateral coordination was a problem. How was she able to creatively address this issue in pep squad?

3. 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?

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

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

6. What does Liane describe as being one of her major challenges for interacting with her peers?

7. What are some of the skills that Liane suggests people with AS need to learn in order to develop friendships?

8. Liane states that there are some people that have given her a real gift of freedom. What have these people done to give her this gift?

9. What are some of the items that Liane describes having a taste for that eventually culminated in trips to the hospital?

10. When Liane was in her first year of school, she was asked by her teacher to take a nap on her mat, but Liane refused. Why did she refuse?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The title of the book is PRETENDING TO BE NORMAL. The idea of normality is one of the biggest themes in this book.

Part 1: Is there a valid definition of what is normal for human behavior and experience? Why or why not?

Part 2: Is being normal something to celebrate? Why or why not? How does Willey feel about being "normal"?

Part 3: What are some ways to acknowledge the different experiences of people with AS without pathologizing?

Essay Topic 2

Liane stated that one of the ways she channels her frustration about her AS is to educate people.

Part 1: What should people know about the challenges that those with AS face on a day to day basis?

Part 2: How would you educate people if you were diagnosed with AS?

Part 3: What policy changes need to occur at your school to better accommodate those with AS?

Essay Topic 3

Liane states that for a long time she felt she would not have a marriage or long term relationship because of her AS.

Part 1: What characteristics of Tom make it possible for him to have a relationship with Liane?

Part 2: Why is it so difficult for those with AS to find long term relationships?

Part 3: Why are steady relationships important? What are the main challenges within relationships that pull people apart?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 855 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample