Interview

Interview Information

Name: Karina Masson

Time Held: 3:25 P.M.

Date: March 10, 2003

Place Where Taken: School for Independent Learners

Relation to Autism: Used to work with autistic children. Teacher/ Therapist

Place Where She Taught: Allen Brook Elementary School

Interview

Q = QUESTION A = ANSWER

Q: How serious is this disease?

A: There seem to be more and more cases of autism in California. I don't know if they are just labeling the children with autism, or they really do have autism.

Q: What do you mean by "Labeling"?

A: I mean whether the people who are helping these kids label them with autism because they like to be alone or because they aren't very social.

Q: Is there research being done to find a cure or a better way of treating this disease?

A: Yes, I have heard of a place in Boston, Massachusetts where they are doing research in different models of therapy.

Q: Can you give me and example?

A: Sure, for example food. They are trying to get autistic kids to become more social by giving them treats when they do something social. Like, if the child looks at them when they speak, they will be rewarded a candy or something.

Q: Are there any drugs or medications that will help decrease symptoms of autism?

A: Yes, serotonin and tryptophan. These medications work on some people, but others have no reactions.

Q: Have you worked with someone who used these medications?

A: Yes, two children at the place where I taught, took serotonin. One had a reaction to the medication and started to become more social, the other had no affect to it. That just goes to show that it works on some people, others have no reaction to it at all.

Q: How many of the autistic people do you think will lead normal or near-normal lives?

A: I would have to say almost none of them. Most will have to have guidance for the rest of their lives. The others may lead normal or near-normal lives.

Q: By the symptoms that you have told me about one of your students, was he hyperlexic?

A: I don't know, I started helping him when he was nine.

Q: Where did you used to teach with the autistic children?

A: Allen Brook Elementary School

Q: Were you more of a teacher or a therapist?

A: I was more of a therapist. I helped the children learn the basics in life such as wash hands after going to the bathroom, and saying hi to other children/people.

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