The curious incident of ASD

I read Mark Haddon's The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, an award-winning, best-selling mystery novel narrated through the eyes of a young man with Asperger's, from cover to cover while sitting at Pearson. [Yes, I fully realize how behind the times I am on this one]. That's one of the great things about this book. Its simplicity of language makes you whip through some pretty complicated issues regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the difficulties faced by parents of children with special needs, and the outstanding mind of this one boy in particular.

As far as the book goes, I found it a refreshing look at an issue I hold very close to my heart. This young man just wanted to be understood - he has his reasons for all of his behaviours, even bad ones. Even when he might seem completely out of control to those trying to help him, he's just doing what he needs to find calm.

The book surprised me with a twist earlier than expected and a complete change of pace at the midway point. Not only is this book an appealing storyline presented in one of the most unique voices to hit the pages in years, but it is also an important tool in communicating the needs, challenges and opportunities of families and friends touched by ASD.

For about five years, I worked for HRM Recreation planning and delivering fun summer programs for kids of all ages. I worked one young man with more severe (a word I hate to use in this context as it implies that he was somehow worse) symptoms than the narrator of The Curious Incident. I watched him go from nonverbal, to conversational - in his own wonderful way - from indifferent to social interaction to a very friendly, funny, amazing young man.

Even though I knew him for years, meeting him after school until his mother got home, I think this book did so much for my understanding of him and his perspective. My time with him was among the most rewarding and challenging in my life and I'm happy to finally get a grip on why one day he wouldn't let me to turn on a single light in the house or another when he didn't want to do anything but talk about the imaginary wolves outside.

Additionally, it showed me how lonely it can be for some parents of children with Autism. It can be harder to develop a connection or bond with your child, it can be a challenge for relatives and friends to understand your relationship, and it can absolutely put an extra strain on your marriage. Many organizations quote up to an 80-85% divorce rate for these families. Watching these factors take their toll on the family I had become close with was really tough. Even more so while I read such a similar story unfold on the pages in front of me.

I don't know where I'm going with this anymore but I don't always have to be polished. It's MY blog, for crying out loud. I guess I just have a hard time with press coverage of ASD research. I don't know that these children need to be "cured". I don't know about "making them normal". Research and support, certainly, but "disease" and "treatment"? Ugh - it's a concept I'm still getting my head around. What I do know is that I miss that family very much and I wanted to state for the record that ASD is something that has had an impact on my life - a really great one. I may never fully understand what these families go through, thanks to Mark Haddon, I might be one step closer.

Your child has a higher chance of being born with ASD than he or she does of becoming an Olympian or a pop star. ASD research deserves your attention and support.

"I stepped outside. Father was standing in the corridor. He held up his right hand and spread his fingers out in a fan. I held up my left hand and spread my fingers out in a fan and we made our fingers and thumbs touch each other. We do this because sometimes Father wants to give me a hug, but I don't like hugging people, so we do this instead, and it means that he loves me."

Autism Society of Nova Scotia
The Provincial Autism Centre
Autism Society Canada