Melinda Gibbons

... Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Deirdre J. Anderson-White, PO Box 1361, Hinesville, GA 31310 (e-mail: deirdre101200 ... & Cole, 2002; Haskett, Scott, Nears, & Grimmett, 2008; Jones, Im-mel, Moore, & Hadder, 2008; Jordan, 2002; Levy, 2008). ...

Asperger syndrome (AS) is a disorder characterized by social skill deficits and display of repetitive behav- iors. This article explores the diagnostic components of AS and describes the major school-related issues for children who have the disorder. Specific interven- tions that school counselors can implement to help in- crease these students' academic and social success are discussed. In some ways, Tom is a typical 9-year-old stu- dent. He started talking at age 1 and was using sentences by age 2. He is advanced at math but struggles in language arts. He has a fasci- nation with trains and gives long, detailed descriptions of how engines work. But, in other ways, he is just different. He seems more interested in playing with things rather than with people. When he is with people, Tom often misreads social cues, almost like he can- not understand nonverbal behavior. He expresses emotions, but often not in appropri- ate ways or times. Sharing and taking turns is extremely diff...

ABSTRACT Although there have been significant increases in the number of women participating in the workforce in recent years, many females continue to choose the role of full-time wife and mother as their life's work. Because 12% of women become widowed and the divorce rate remains steady at about 50%, a number of these stay-at-home mothers are ultimately forced to reenter the workforce to support themselves and their children. Some of these individuals may have minimal education or outdated job skills and many have a variety of psychological, emotional, and physical concerns because of losing their spouses. Because of these factors, the task of reentering the workforce can be a difficult one. Counselors who work with family issues should be able to address work-related issues as well. In doing so, narrative career counseling can be utilized as an effective approach in assisting these mothers with the exploration of new career paths. A case example and implications for clinicians are provided.

ABSTRACT Asperger syndrome (AS) is a disorder characterized by social skill deficits and display of repetitive behav- iors. This article explores the diagnostic components of AS and describes the major school-related issues for children who have the disorder. Specific interven- tions that school counselors can implement to help in- crease these students' academic and social success are discussed. In some ways, Tom is a typical 9-year-old stu- dent. He started talking at age 1 and was using sentences by age 2. He is advanced at math but struggles in language arts. He has a fasci- nation with trains and gives long, detailed descriptions of how engines work. But, in other ways, he is just different. He seems more interested in playing with things rather than with people. When he is with people, Tom often misreads social cues, almost like he can- not understand nonverbal behavior. He expresses emotions, but often not in appropri- ate ways or times. Sharing and taking turns is extremely difficult for him. Make-believe games are nearly impossible; he does not seem to understand the "rules" of these types of activities. In physical activities, he seems clum- sy and has an unusual stance, sometimes walk- ing or running on his toes. Teachers often remark that he is just different or a bit odd.

ABSTRACT Career and personal counseling have been dichotomized as distinct practices in much of the counseling literature. However, many college students seek counseling for career development and romantic relationship issues occurring concomitantly. A model for addressing career and relationship issues with heterosexual college couples in a group format is presented. An approach grounded in narrative theory is described, and case examples are provided to illustrate the model.

ABSTRACT Gifted children from low-education backgrounds often experience barriers to educational and career success. This article reviews the growing body of literature regarding gifted students from low-education backgrounds and the related literature on the challenges and characteristics of first-generation college students. A mother and daughter interview provides a contextual example of the issues identified in the literature review. Implications for educators and practitioners are suggested, including ways in which elementary and middle schools can proactively address the issues facing low-education background students in gifted programs.

... is the student the expert, but also both the author and the main ... Narrative career counseling considers the student's perceptions of the divorce and offers a unique way to challenge per-... Narrative theory fits well with the ASCA National Model (2005) as part of the delivery system. ...

... but rather built into the yearly calendar to remind school personnel of potentially suicidal behaviors and appropriate responses (Gostelow; Popenhagen & ... For example, a school counselor may portray a student talking with a friend about life being hope-less, and teachers can ...

ABSTRACT An increasing number of students enter college underprepared. These students do not have the academic skills to take college-level courses and are placed in remedial classes. Career counseling can help underprepared college students make educated career decisions based on their current situations. This article explores the characteristics of underprepared college students, examines career-related issues these students face, and reviews the literature on narrative career counseling. The life design method is applied to a case example of an underprepared college student to demonstrate how to best serve the needs of these students.