1. Autism & Asperger’s Syndrome
A Brief Overview

2. What is Autism?
A developmental disability that usually becomes evident during the first 3 years of life
A neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain
Approximately 1 in 500 individuals suffer from autism or its associated behaviours
Autism is classified as a pervasive developmental disorder

3. What is a Pervasive Developmental Disorder?
PDD’s are those that cause significant problems in a child’s development (impaired social interaction / communication / thinking skills)
As a spectrum disorder, the symptoms and characteristics of autism can present themselves in a variety of combinations, from mild to severe

4. Who does this disorder affect?
Autism is 4x more prevalent in boys than girls. It knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries.
Family income, lifestyle, and educational levels do not affect the chance of autism’s occurrence

5. Symptoms of Autism
Autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills
Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interaction, and leisure or play activities
This disorder makes it difficult for people to communicate with others and relate to the outside world

6. Symptoms
In some cases, individuals with autism may display aggressive and/or self-injurious behaviour
People with autism may exhibit repeated body movements (hand flapping, rocking), unusual responses to people, attachments to objects, and resistance to changes in routines
Individuals may also experience sensitivities in the fives senses (sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste)

7. What causes Autism?
Although a single specific cause of autism is not yet known, current research links autism to biological or neurological differences in the brain
In many families there appears to be a pattern of autism, which suggests that there is a genetic basis to the disorder. However, at this time no specific gene has been directly linked to autism.

8. Asperger’s Syndrome: What’s the Difference?
People with AS display very similar symptoms to those with autism; however, there are some differences
They often have obsessive routines and may be preoccupied with a particular subject of interest
Those with AS have a normal IQ and many individuals (although not all), exhibit exceptional skill or talent in a specific area

9. Asperger’s Syndrome
Unfortunately, because of their high degree of functionality and their naiveté, individuals with AS are often viewed as eccentric or odd and can easily become victims of teasing and bullying

10. Famous People with Asperger’s Syndrome
Albert Einstein
Benjamin Franklin
Napoleon Bonaparte
George Washington
Abraham Lincoln
Alexander the Great
Leonardo da Vinci
Beethoven
Elvis Presley
Henry Ford
Bill Gates
Robin Williams
Tom Hanks
Marilyn Monroe
William Shakespeare

11. What does this have to do with The Curious Incident...?
The protagonist / narrator, Christopher, has Asperger’s syndrome
He displays many of the characteristics we discussed (poor social interaction / communication skills, exceptional math skills, routine-oriented, displays some aggressive behaviour, attached to an object - his pet rat), plus he has his own personal “quirks”

12. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
Setting: Swindon, Wiltshire, England; Present day
Narration: First person innocent-eye (Christopher’s point of view). This allows the reader to investigate the mind of an individual with AS.
Characters:
Christopher: protagonist, 15 years old, lives with his father, attempts to uncover the truth behind the death of Wellington the dog
Ed: Christopher’s father, does not approve of Christopher’s murder mystery investigation
Mrs. Shears: Wellington’s owner, Christopher’s neighbour
Wellington: Mrs. Shears’ poodle, mysteriously murdered

13. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
In My Mind video:

14. Movie Trailer

15. TODAY
Read pages 1-48
Study for a brief QUIZ tomorrow on pages 1- 48