Did Andy Warhol have Asperger's?

In Prof. Larry Welkowitz's recent Antioch http://www.antiochne.edu seminar on December 17th, the main topic of discussion was the incidence of comorbidity in individuals diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. In psychiatry, comorbidity refers to the presence of more than one mental disorder occuring in an individual at the same time. I am gently reminded that all things in this world are connected, linked by physical and emotional stimulus... cause and effect. The threads that are woven into our psyche are not single strands but knotted and bound together. Pull one thread and others may come loose. Comorbidity.

For people who have social impairments it is difficult to free themselves of the stigma of 'outsider' status that links so many clinical mental disorders. I think most people have felt the inability to connect to a group at one time or another. For people with Asperger's the incongruence seems to be as they become less symptomatic and more sophisticated in their social understandings, the more likely that a comorbid psychological state will occur. New understanding brings metacognitive awareness; injured self-esteem and feelings of missing that place of 'splendid isolation' can psychologically undermine social growth. Why can't I fit in? Andy Warhol once said "Be yourself- everybody else is already taken." This twentieth century pop icon, believed to have Asperger's, found ways to normalize his view of the world. He convinced millions to buy into his view (and buy his view). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilHmvLd4Bhg Did Warhol have Asperger's? Did he have other co-occuring mental conditions? Was Warhol's 'outsider' status what made him a creative genius or a marketing strategist? For more on Andy Warhol and other information gems about cognitive styles visit Kathleen Seidel's site http://www.neurodiversity.com .

Lastly, guest speaker Andy Silva, really got to the heart of the matter when he recounted his experiences growing up with Asperger's Syndrome. He said one way to help people on the Autism Spectrum is to get them to buy into the social world. Agreed. His, is a viewpoint well taken.

peer mentoring vs. teaching tolerance

Many counseling psychotherapies were demystified by Professor Larry Welkowitz Ph.D. in his recent lecture for a course, "Introduction to Counseling Interventions," at Antioch University New England.

The theory and counseling models were an interesting review of Rogerian techniques, psycho-analyical techniques, behavioral theory, and cognitive theory. However, my imagination was captured in the discussion of 'peer mentoring' as a natural way for students with High Functioning Autism or Asperger's to learn about how social structures work. Prof. Welkowitz shared about 'peer mentoring' at a college level. Peer relationships seem to foster genuine self-selected therapy goals.

In my work with early elementary students, I take a strong perspective on teaching tolerance to help all my students learn to cope with diversity. My student population is a melting pot: mixed grade, mixed ability, mixed culture, mixed socio-economic background. We are neuro-typicals. We are also on the autism spectrum. I began to wonder if 'peer mentoring' would be a natural way for younger children to meet social goals. What would peer mentoring at first and second grade look like? Could younger students be responsible enough to assume the role as mentor?

Autistic Inspirations

My profession of teaching early elementary education has been an enjoyable journey for me. Fifteen years ago, I entered the field of public education with a handful of books and an aspiration to bring a love of rich literature to my students. Rich literature remains core to my curriculum and I continue to be gratified daily with student growth and enthusiasm.

Four years ago a very special child walked into my classroom and into my life. He changed my methodology of teaching and tested my beliefs in inclusion. This child has taken me down a path as challenging and rewarding as my original aspiration. He is a child with autism.

This Kindergarten child came with a program, social stories, picture schedules, a sensory diet, 'discrete trial' systematic teaching, and a team of specialists. It's a funny thing, there was not one 'How To Manual' in this heap of stuff. My new journey began. I read articles and books. I made modifications to the classroom. I tinkered with the social stories and computer software. I reflected on good days and bad. I was facinated by new ways to include this special child in my classroom community. I was really teaching and he was really learning!

Since then, I have had several students on the Autism Spectrum as part of my regular education classroom. Each child unique with his own set of 'rules' and needs; each child expanding my knowledge of Autism. This past September, I began a new journey as a graduate student at Antioch University New England with a focus on Autism Spectrum Disorders. I have the energy and desire to learn more and be a source of support for other teachers working with the autistic population in our schools.

I am inspired and touched by autism.