The Experiential approach of medical anthropology focuses on the individual and their story on the affects of the illness on their lives and how they deal with it. The individual’s stories are usually told through narratives. This allows the medical anthropologists to understand aspects of the illness through the patient’s eyes and how the illness affects them. This helps to understand what cannot be physically seen when looking at someone with an illness. The experiential approach provides three types of narratives that can be explained by the individual. One narrative is the restitution narrative where the illness described is temporary and their main goal is to restore their health. The second narrative is the chaos narrative, this usually is told about an illness that is permanent and the patient is disjointed and frustrated. Lastly, the quest narrative, in which the illness is viewed as a journey and an opportunity to better their selves. These narratives are important describing the state of an illness and the affects is has on the person with the illness.
Trevor Pacelli tells his story and life challenges being autistic. At the age of five, he was diagnosed with one of the autism spectrum disorders that make social interactions and communication difficult. Growing up, Trevor spent most of his time by himself because he never cared much for others. He wasted his time around people who didn’t care for him and took advantage of his disability. However, as he got older he started to meet people that were the type of friends he needed. They pointed out flaws that he was unaware of and helped him understand the true meaning of friendship. He also joined clubs and organizations that helped him get to know people better and picked up on social cues.
In his teenage years, Trevor wanted to start driving. His parents put him in a driving course. The first day he went behind the wheal, he was terrified and got even more scared with every step. With the help of his mom practicing with him everyday, he gradually got better. When it came time to take the written portion of the driving test, Trevor failed twice. By the third time, his mother arranged for special accommodations and gave him a pair of headphones so he can hear the questions and read them at the same time. He finally passed the test and got his license a few months after he turned 16.
Trevor Pacelli tells his story and life challenges being autistic. At the age of five, he was diagnosed with one of the autism spectrum disorders that make social interactions and communication difficult. Growing up, Trevor spent most of his time by himself because he never cared much for others. He wasted his time around people who didn’t care for him and took advantage of his disability. However, as he got older he started to meet people that were the type of friends he needed. They pointed out flaws that he was unaware of and helped him understand the true meaning of friendship. He also joined clubs and organizations that helped him get to know people better and picked up on social cues.
In his teenage years, Trevor wanted to start driving. His parents put him in a driving course. The first day he went behind the wheal, he was terrified and got even more scared with every step. With the help of his mom practicing with him everyday, he gradually got better. When it came time to take the written portion of the driving test, Trevor failed twice. By the third time, his mother arranged for special accommodations and gave him a pair of headphones so he can hear the questions and read them at the same time. He finally passed the test and got his license a few months after he turned 16.
With the help of his friends and family, Trevor was able to face his challenges related to autism and gain the wisdom he needed to accomplish his goals. Now at the age of 20, Trevor has a 3.6 GPA at a community college and was accepted into 5 four-year universities and has written a book that talks about the daily struggles of living with autism.
Citation:
Pacelli, Trevor. "Growing up Autistic: My Story." CNN. January 1, 1970. Accessed August 12, 2014. http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/02/health/iyw-growing-up-autistic/.
Citation:
Pacelli, Trevor. "Growing up Autistic: My Story." CNN. January 1, 1970. Accessed August 12, 2014. http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/02/health/iyw-growing-up-autistic/.