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Module 2 — Communicating with Customers with Disabilities

What Would You Do?

In the classroom

A few years ago, Wallace, a veterinary science student, attended a guest lecture given by one of the leading researchers in his field of interest, animal influenza. Although Wallace has Asperger Syndrome, if you met him you probably wouldn’t even notice. However, he is very open about it with those around him, especially the people with whom he works and studies because it becomes apparent in a few particular social settings.

When attending the guest lecture, Wallace started asking the speaker detailed, specific questions just as she was beginning to get into the material. The speaker and some people in the audience began shifting uncomfortably. However, Wallace didn’t notice their reaction and he continued asking for immediate clarification, almost appearing as if he wanted to engage the speaker in a debate.

At this point, what would be the most appropriate response by the speaker to Wallace’s questions?


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