Case Study: (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time)
Each response should provide:
Specific examples and quotes from the book
Explanations that link what you learned in class, outside research and in the textbook to your responses
Be sure to cite sources for any outside research
The case study should be 5-6 pages in length.
Instructions:
Using the main character from the book:
Discuss the character’s autism and how it affects his perception of the world around him, how he thinks and how he understands the actions of others.
Discuss the character’s autistic behavior from the following point of view of:
His parents
The community
Discuss the challenges that the character faces in his daily life as a result of his autism, and what steps he takes to overcome these challenges.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time: A Case Study of Autism and Perceptions
Introduction
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon delves into the life of Christopher Boone, a fifteen-year-old boy with autism, as he navigates through a world that is often overwhelming and incomprehensible to him. Through Christopher’s unique perspective, the novel sheds light on how his autism shapes his perceptions, thoughts, and interactions with others. This case study will explore the impact of Christopher’s autism on his understanding of the world, his relationships with his parents and the community, as well as the challenges he faces daily and the strategies he employs to overcome them.
Autism and Perception
Christopher’s autism significantly influences his perception of the world around him. His condition is characterized by a heightened sensitivity to stimuli, difficulty in social interactions, and a unique way of thinking. For instance, Christopher’s aversion to physical contact is evident when he states, “I don’t like people I don’t know touching me. I only like hugging Mom and my dad” (Haddon, 2003). This quote exemplifies how individuals with autism may struggle with sensory input and have specific preferences when it comes to touch and social interactions.
Furthermore, Christopher’s thought process is logical and structured, as seen in his affinity for mathematics and patterns. He often relies on logic to make sense of the world, as demonstrated by his explanation of why prime numbers are his favorite: “Prime numbers are what is left when you have taken all the patterns away” (Haddon, 2003). This adherence to logic and patterns is a common trait among individuals with autism, who may find comfort in predictability and order in a world that can be chaotic and unpredictable.
Autistic Behavior: Perspectives of Parents and the Community
Parents
Christopher’s parents play a crucial role in his life, providing support and guidance as he navigates the challenges posed by his autism. However, their perspectives on Christopher’s behavior differ significantly. His mother, Judy, struggles to connect with Christopher emotionally and often feels overwhelmed by his needs. In one instance, she confesses, “I find it hard to be close to someone who doesn’t understand me” (Haddon, 2003). This quote highlights the emotional distance that exists between Judy and Christopher due to their communication barriers and differing ways of processing information.
On the other hand, Christopher’s father, Ed, exhibits a more pragmatic approach to parenting Christopher. Ed is protective of Christopher and attempts to shield him from external stimuli that may trigger his sensitivities. Despite their divorce, Ed remains actively involved in Christopher’s life and strives to provide him with a sense of stability and security. This dichotomy in parental perspectives underscores the complexity of raising a child with autism and the varied approaches parents may adopt in supporting their children.
Community
The community’s perception of Christopher is shaped by misunderstandings and misconceptions about autism. People in the neighborhood often view Christopher as odd or eccentric due to his atypical behavior and social interactions. They struggle to empathize with Christopher’s unique worldview and may inadvertently contribute to his feelings of isolation and alienation. In one scene, a neighbor remarks, “There’s something wrong with that boy” (Haddon, 2003), reflecting the stigma and lack of awareness surrounding autism in society.
Moreover, the community’s lack of understanding of autism leads to instances of prejudice and discrimination against Christopher. He faces challenges when interacting with strangers who are unfamiliar with his condition and may misinterpret his actions. These misunderstandings further isolate Christopher from his peers and hinder his ability to form meaningful connections within the community. The community’s perception of Christopher underscores the importance of raising awareness about autism and fostering inclusivity and acceptance in society.
Challenges Faced by Christopher
Christopher encounters various challenges in his daily life due to his autism, ranging from sensory overload to difficulties in communication. One significant challenge he faces is navigating unfamiliar environments, which can trigger anxiety and overwhelm him. For instance, when Christopher travels to London for the first time, he experiences sensory overload in the bustling city streets: “There were so many people that it made my head hurt” (Haddon, 2003). This quote illustrates how sensory stimuli can be overwhelming for individuals with autism, leading to feelings of distress and discomfort.
Additionally, Christopher’s struggles with communication hinder his ability to express his emotions effectively and connect with others on an emotional level. He often misinterprets social cues and facial expressions, which can result in misunderstandings and conflicts with those around him. These communication challenges contribute to Christopher’s sense of isolation and difficulty forming meaningful relationships with others.
Strategies for Overcoming Challenges
Despite the obstacles he faces, Christopher demonstrates resilience and resourcefulness in overcoming challenges related to his autism. One strategy he employs is creating a sense of predictability and routine in his daily life to mitigate feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. Christopher finds comfort in familiar routines and rituals, such as his daily walks around the neighborhood or solving math problems before bedtime. These routines provide him with a sense of stability and control in a world that can often feel chaotic and overwhelming.
Furthermore, Christopher relies on his logical thinking and problem-solving skills to navigate challenging situations. When faced with a daunting task or unfamiliar environment, he breaks down the problem into smaller, manageable steps and applies his analytical approach to finding solutions. This methodical way of thinking allows Christopher to approach challenges systematically and address them in a structured manner.
In conclusion, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time offers a poignant portrayal of autism through the character of Christopher Boone. By examining Christopher’s perceptions, interactions with his parents and the community, as well as the challenges he faces daily, readers gain insight into the complexities of living with autism. Through Christopher’s journey of self-discovery and resilience, the novel highlights the importance of understanding, empathy, and acceptance towards individuals with autism in creating a more inclusive society.
References:
– Haddon, M. (2003). The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Vintage Books.
