Art

Research and explore the art of autistic children and adults.

Consider art as a means of communication for the autistic individual. Make note of ways that the autistic person uses drawing to communicate. How might the basic communication in the artistic process be nurtured so as to develop creative abilities in the autistic person?

How is art utilized in the education of autistic children? What special attributes of the artistic process might open avenues for interaction with others?

Select a descriptive paragraph from the curious incident of the dog in the night-time. Create an artistic representation from the point of view of Christopher Boone, the autistic boy. Consider the fact that many autistic individuals see pictures, not words, when they process information. How might art be used to further communicate with autistic people and to discover new ways to view the creative process through images?

Biology/Environmental Science

Research the possibility that there is a genetic component to autism. What are the current findings regarding the startling increase in cases of autism in the last twenty years? What is the direction of future research as to causes and treatment for this exceptionality?

Consider the evidence supporting that autism is caused by environmental factors. What are some possible explanations supported by recent research?

Research the controversy related to the use of mercury in vaccinations and whether there is concrete evidence that links mercury to autism.

Is there any evidence to support the theory that the hepatitis vaccine given before the age of one year could be a cause of autism? Why would this be a feasible possibility? Argue for or against this theory.

What part might genetics play in autism? Research whether there is empirical evidence for this possible cause.

What environmental toxins could be the cause? Be specific as to those that have been identified as the most likely sources.

Although research continues researches the disorder, there is still no proven answer to the question, “What causes autism?” Why has it increased so dramatically in the last twenty years? Formulate a hypothesis and develop support for it based on what is known thus far. Be aware there are strong vocal proponents for a variety of reasons that all seem plausible.

Temple Grandin, Ph.D, an animal scientist, who is autistic, has conducted research that is not only groundbreaking, but inspiring, as well. Consider reading Animals in Translation for a fascinating look at Grandin’s extraordinary work and its place in the scientific community.

Business

Autistic adults will be entering the workforce in greater numbers than ever before. They are intelligent and have much to offer. How can the business community embrace these individuals so that they can reach their respective potentials? Consider aspects of business that would be suitable to certain autistic individuals.

Criminal Justice

Observe the interaction between Christopher Boone, the autistic boy, and the police officer on p. 9 in the curious incident of the dog in the night-time. What information would be helpful to police officers who are dealing with autistic individuals? What specifically did the officer do that caused Christopher to hit him? How could this action have been prevented with knowledge?

The novel the curious incident of the dog in the night-time is a mystery. How might a police officer investigate the killing of the dog? What is the responsibility of the police in investigating animal cruelty? What are the penalties for such actions as committed in the novel towards the dog?

Education

Research the possible causes, characteristics, and educational needs of the autistic child. With the increase in autism, teachers must be able to find ways to teach the autistic child. Integrate textbook knowledge with the novel the curious incident of the dog in the night-time. Find examples of Christopher Boone’s behavior that correspond to the characteristics of autism. For example, on p. 29 the novel shows Christopher’s need for exact instructions; p. 51 portrays his fondness for small spaces; p. 41 is an example of his dislike of the color “yellow”.

The central characteristic of autistic children is difficulty in developing normal social relationships. How might a teacher provide a classroom environment that will support the autistic child? What methodologies would be effective?

Many autistic children display echolalia, the repetition of words or phrases spoken by others. This is one of many communication patterns of autism children. Be aware of the variety of patterns. Define each and give an example from the novel of the pattern.

Early intervention is extremely important so that autistic children can reach their potential. What are the early signs of autism?

With the passage of the Individual with Disabilities Act, the United States accepted the responsibility for educating children with exceptionalities. Read the National Research Council’s report, which combines the scientific, theoretical, and policy literature of the last twenty-five years. This knowledge will create a framework for the educator to deal with autism and other exceptionalities. Integrate the facts from the report to what you discovered about Christopher Boone in the curious incident of the dog in the night-time.

Write a case study of the boy in the curious incident of the dog in the night-time.

The Summer, 2006 edition of the journal American Educator has a comprehensive article entitled “Alone in the World”. Read the article and apply what you learned to the characteristics and behaviors of Christopher Boone in the novel.

Autism has many sub-groups and categories within the “umbrella term” for pervasive developmental disorders, such as Asperger’s Disorder. Where would Christopher Boone, the protagonist in the curious incident of the dog in the night-time, be placed on the spectrum in terms of diagnosis?

Many treatment possibilities exist for children who are autistic. Define the following regiments and their advantages and disadvantages: Discrete Trial training (DTT), Pivotal Response Training (PRT), Behavioral Response Training. How does an educator/parent decide the appropriate treatment for an autistic student?

English

Write an argument/persuasion paper to support one of the theories of the causes of autism. Be specific as to your information as you document your point of view. Note the characteristics of effective persuasive writing and incorporate those into an essay.

The novel the curious incident of the dog in the night-time is written from the point of view of Christopher Boone, an autistic teenager. Write the story from another point of view, such as the Father, the Mother, the police officer, Siobhan, the teacher. How does this exercise enable an understanding of point of view in other stories and novels?

Write an extended example paper on autism. Define its characteristics, possible causes, its impact on families, and the importance of early intervention. Be thorough as to the definition and examples. The novel is a source of many examples of the behaviors and thought processes of autistic individuals. Use as many examples as possible to support the thesis statement of the paper.

Write a research paper on autism. Select a focus. Review the present information on the subject. Be sure to narrow the thesis to a feasible amount of support material. For example, decide whether you want to focus on causes, treatments, effect on family life, etc.

Write a traditional literary analysis of the novel. Consider plot, theme, setting, point of view, character.

Explore the writing style of Mark Haddon. Is the writing effective? Do the words and actions realistically portray those of an autistic individual? How does Mark Haddon use words to create empathy for various characters in the novel?

Read the works of Temple Grandin to obtain further insight into the mind of an autistic individual. Write a character description of Temple Grandin. Consider social, psychological, cognitive, emotional qualities of character.

Write a review of the curious incident of the dog in the night-time recommending or not recommending it to possible readers.

Discuss examples of metaphor on p. 15. Mention other metaphors that you know.

Define simile. Refer to Christopher’s definition on p. 17. Mention other examples of similes.

Research the life and works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. How do the author and his fictional character Sherlock Holmes fit into the novel? Why doesn’t Christopher like Arthur Conan Doyle, but he does like Sherlock Holmes? Explain the “Case of the Cottingley Fairies”. Try to discover primary information on the case and its controversy. Look for the magazine called The Strand published in 1917 in London.

History

Trace the history of autism from its initial identification in the early 1940’s to the present.

Journalism

Write a feature article explaining autism to the general public.

Write an editorial calling for further research into the condition of autism.

Interview an autistic child so that he/she can explain his/her worldview.

Write an article regarding the work of Temple Grandin, Ph.D, who is autistic and has contributed greatly to the area of animal science.

Legal Studies

Consider the case of Brian Woods who sued the school board in Akron, Ohio on behalf of his autistic son. Mr. Woods sued to make sure that his son received an appropriate education and won several concessions. Federal courts around the country are divided over whether parents should be able to act as lawyers for their minor children in connection with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Argue pro or con for parental representation without legal counsel.

Math

Refer to pp. 11 and 12 in the curious incident of the dog in the night-time. Explain prime and cardinal numbers as Christopher does. Is his explanation clear? Why does he particularly like prime numbers?

Convert pounds to dollars from the contents of Christopher’s pockets. Refer to the number of pounds of British currency (before the Euro) and convert to United States’ dollars and cents.

Make up a word problem based on Christopher’s cell calculations on p. 14.

Read the word problem solved by Marilyn vos Savant, who is considered to have the highest I.Q. in the world. Marilyn had a column in a magazine called Parade in which she answered math questions sent in by readers. Craig F. Whitaker of Columbia, Maryland sent this problem on p. 62 to her. Foremost mathematicians criticized Marilyn for her answer. Christopher proves that Marilyn Savant was right. Read his explanation and explain it in your own way. This is a strong critical thinking exercise. Challenge yourself. The problem is referred to as “the Monty Hall” problem because it is based on the television game show that he hosted.

Explain the graph and the problem on p. 101.

Refer to p. 136. Explain inverse proportion.

Refer to p. 146 and the section on Conway’s Soldiers. Christopher considers it a good math problem to do in one’s head so as not to think about something else. Do the math!

the curious incident of the dog in the night-time contains many graphs, maps, and other visual and spatial mathematical explorations. Peruse the book for as many mathematical situations as are specific to the math that is presently being studied in your respective math class. Use examples to explain the problem and/or make up your own mathematical problems based on situations in the novel.

Psychology

Statistics show an alarming increase in cases of autism in the last twenty years. Numbers rose from one case in 10,000 births in 1987 to one case in 166 births in 2006. How do psychologists explain this increase? What are the most recent treatments for autism?

In the 1960’s and 1970’s autism was treated from a behavioral perspective. B.F. Skinner believed that all one needed to study was behavior. He did not speculate what went on inside the person’s head, but rather the behaviors that the individual exhibited. Early studies went so far as to blame autism on “cold Mother syndrome”. Fortunately, reputable psychologists no longer are proponents of this theory. Research early treatments of autism and document approaches to the condition.

Ivor Lovaas in his famous study took a group of very young autistic children and gave one half of the children intensive behavior therapy while another half received much less intensive treatment. Behavior therapy meant classical operant conditioning. Define classic operant conditioning. Research the work of Dr. Lovaas in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology in 1987. React to his research.

Researchers have studied brains of autistic individuals and it appears that there is “decreased connectivity among the cortical regions and between the cortex and the sub cortex”. Research the work of Robert M. Joseph and his work in neuropsychological arenas.

From a psychological perspective, how does an autistic person think, feel, and experience the world? See the world through the mind of Christopher Boone in the curious incident of the dog in the nighttime. Describe this world in detail.

What are compulsive and ritualistic behaviors? Find places in the novel in which Christopher Boone exhibits these characteristics.

What are some characteristic emotional responses of autistic individuals? Find examples from the novel of these responses.

Find examples in the curious incident of the dog in the night-time of aggression in Christopher’s behavior because of fear. What can parents and teacher do to modify or eliminate these fears?

How do psychologists explain why some autistic children can be under-responsive or over-responsive to the sensory environment? Some children fear a certain color or sound. Others may be under or over-responsive to pain, touch, or temperature. Find examples in the novel of any of these characteristics.

No single psychological approach is effective for every autistic child. Note that the condition is complex and should not be considered the same for all children. The important thought to remember is that autism is a complex exceptionality and that each child may be somewhat different. Paying close attention to behaviors and reactions is an essential ingredient in studying autism.

Write a case study of Christopher Boone, the protagonist in the curious incident of the dog in the night-time. Pay close attention to details; observe carefully; record actual incidents to support a theory or action. Write as accurate a portrayal of all aspects of the character as possible. Case studies can be then used for discussion to learn about autism, a basis to discover the nature of autism, and a path to efficacious treatments so that the autistic individual can reach his/her potential.

Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder that encompasses a variety of conditions along a spectrum from mild to severe. An example would be that Asperger’s Syndrom is one form of autism. Research the entire spectrum of autistic disorders so as not to simplify the condition and its myriad of individual behaviors within the spectrum.

Sociology

Research has shown that 50% of marriages of partners with autistic children end in divorce. What are the social pressures that parents of autistic children encounter? What makes these pressures unique as compared to those of parents with children of other exceptionalities? Describe the effect of Christopher Boone’s autism on his parents’ marriage. Peruse the curious incident of the dog in the night-time for examples of the pressures on the parents. How might parents of autistic children be helped to cope with family and societal pressures?

Describe the difficulties of autistic children with social attachments. Refer to the novel for examples of Christopher’s social relationships at home and in school. Consider ways for integrating autistic individuals into the society at large.

How can autistic children be comfortable and reach their potentials in contemporary society? What social agencies might assist in this integration?

How does society in general view the behaviors of an autistic child? Do people blame the parents when the child “acts out”, particularly in public? How can educators raise social consciousness so that people can be more empathetic and patient with an autistic child?

Autistic children need to be socialized so they can have self-esteem as they interact with peers, adults, and animals. Give examples of the individuals with whom Christopher can relate. How do those people interact with Christopher? Define characteristics of individuals with whom autistic children can form attachments.

Select a social situation and describe it through the eyes of an autistic individual. How does seeing the world though the eyes of this individual promote understanding. Describe Christopher’s views of his neighbors. Be specific. What causes him to withdraw from social contact? What promotes social contact? Why does he fear some of the neighbors? In his thinking, why are his behaviors logical?

Write a reaction to the curious incident of the dog in the night-time from a sociological perspective. What aspects of the study of sociology are of particular importance in understanding autism?

Write a case study of Christopher Boone focusing on the sociological aspects of his life. Be detailed in descriptions of social behaviors, such as interactions with peers, neighbors, and institutions in society, family members. Use the case study to discuss autism or as a basis for research into autism’s impact on the individual and society.

School is a social institution that needs to provide for the autistic student and his/her interactions with peers. What do teachers, parents, and peer need to know so that the autistic individual can be supported in an environment where he/she and his/her peers can live in harmony and safety?