Asperger in the school setting: A proposed counseling intervention program for college students diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome

• Main Author: Diño, Ma. Eduarda V.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2012
• Subjects: Asperger's syndrome in adolescence; Youth with autism spectrum disorders—Services for; Counseling; Disability and Equity in Education
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/4871
• Institution: De La Salle University

As early as 1948, the right of the people to education has been recognized in the field of international law as it has been embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UHDR). During the present times, one might argue that the said right not only pertains to education per se but more so on the right of the individual to have access to quality education, irrespective of personal circumstances or difficulties that one may be subjected to. In fact, as per Article 24 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Optional Protocol of the United Nations, it provides that with a view to realizing this right without discrimination and on the basis of equal opportunity, states parties shall ensure an inclusive education system at all levels. Recently, a condition known as Asperger's syndrome or Asperger disorder, an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that is characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction, alongside restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior became an ongoing concern for our society, especially to local institutions who are interested in drafting policies and programs especially designed for the individuals diagnosed with this kind of syndrome. Asperger's syndrome in 1944 has been described by Hans Asperger, an Austrian pediatrician, as a condition subjecting individuals to lack of nonverbal communication skills, demonstrated limited empathy with their peers, and were physically clumsy, the modern conception of this disorder came only into existence and went through a period of popularization in 1981, and became standardized as a diagnosis in the early 1990s. Viewing Asperger's syndrome in the context of it being in the school setting, proponent believes that it is the responsibility of the school to ensure the holistic development of its students with due regard to their psychological and social needs. In this sense, the Office of Counseling and Career Services can be considered as a great tool in making effective this responsibility by providing essential services to each student in achieving self realization, by enabling him to dynamically understand himself in relation to his social and psychological world. In fact, the vision and mission of the Office of Counseling and Career Services provides that it is committed to facilitate the students' holistic well-being towards better life adaptability and social integration for God and country. In response to its task, the of Office Counseling and Career Services of De La Salle University presently offers various programs and services that cater to the different needs of college students to ensure that their right to access quality education is fully provided by the said school. To name a few, some of these programs include counselling, crisis intervention, program development, job placement and career education program. Further, other services offered include online and on-campus posting, graduate listing, access to company profile and career education library, consultation period for mock interviews and resume proofreading. Unfortunately, there is no program yet that is in force at the moment to respond to the need and demands of college students diagnosed with autism or Asperger's syndrome as the case maybe. In fact, when faced with such circumstance, no available or secondary program can be provided by De La Salle University to ensure and specifically guarantee that the students diagnosed with such disorder can expect a specific counselling intervention program suited for their needs. Thus, in view thereof, the instant counselling material or manual is being presented by herein proponent to address the issues confronting the school and the students in the event that the latter will be diagnosed to be affected by Asperger disorder.