The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Autism and Identity: Moving Beyond The Puzzle Piece Symbol A.J. Drexel Autism Institute June 2023 Symbols used by communities often serve as a visual representation of a group's identity, values, and shared beliefs. Representation is important, and the language and symbols used to represent an identity and a community have power and meaning. Symbols play a crucial role in defining, expressing, and uniting communities. For the autism community the puzzle piece has long been associated with the community. Its origins can be traced back to the late 1960s when the Autism Society of America (ASA) adopted the symbol as its logo. Since the early aughts there hasbeen a growing movement within the autism community to move away from the puzzle piece symbol and adopt alternative symbols that promote acceptance, autonomy, and celebration of neurodiversity. Some of the key reasons why the puzzle piece is problematic are highlighted below: Oversimplification : The puzzle piece, with its connotat...

 

Sensory issues are common in people with autism and are even included in the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder. Each autistic person is unique, and this includes their personal sensory sensitivities. Autism and sensory issues People with autism might have sensitivities to: Sights Sounds Smells Tastes Touch Balance Awareness of body position and movement Awareness of internal body cues and sensations Autistic people can experience both hypersensitivity (over-responsiveness) and hyposensitivity (under-responsiveness) to a wide range of stimuli. Most people have a combination of both.  Many autistic people experience hypersensitivity to bright lights or certain light wavelengths (e.g., LED or fluorescent lights). Certain sounds, smells, textures and tastes can also be overwhelming. This can result in sensory avoidance – trying to get away from stimuli that most people can easily tune out. Sensory avoidance can look like pulling away from physical touch, covering the...

This background information covers a range of references in the play. Swiss army knife The Swiss Army knife is a pocketknife, generally multi-tooled, now manufactured by Victorinox. The term "Swiss Army knife" was coined by American soldiers after World War II because they had trouble pronouncing the German word "Offiziersmesser", meaning "Officer's knife". The Swiss Army knife generally has a drop-point main blade plus other types of blades and tools, such as a screwdriver, a can opener, a saw blade, a pair of scissors, and many others. These are folded into the handle of the knife through a pivot point mechanism. The handle is traditionally a red color, with either a Victorinox or Wenger "cross" logo or, for Swiss military issue knives, the coat of arms of Switzerland. Other colors, textures, and shapes have appeared over the years. Originating in Ibach, Switzerland, the Swiss Army knife was first produced in 1891 when the Karl Elsener comp...

This background information describes all the train, including the London subway, references. Signal Point Signal Point refers to a historic, iconic railway building located next to Swindon station. It is a landmark frequently seen by passengers, with Network Rail planning to restore it as a key feature of the area. It is distinct from the functional railway infrastructure of signals and points, which are controlled by signalmen in signal boxes. British Rail British Railways (BR), which from 1965 traded as British Rail, was a state-owned company that operated most rail transport in Great Britain from 1948 to 1997. Originally a trading brand of the Railway Executive of the British Transport Commission, it became an independent statutory corporation in January 1963, when it was formally renamed the British Railways Board. British Railways was formed on January 1, 1948 as a result of the Transport Act 1947, which nationalized the Big Four British railway companies along with some other (b...

This background information covers multiple maths-related references in the play. A-level examination The A-level (Advanced Level) is a main school leaving qualification of the General Certificate of Education in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. It is available as an alternative qualification in other countries, where it is similarly known as an A-Level. Students generally study for A-levels over a two-year period. For much of their history, A-levels have been examined by written exams taken at the end of these two years. A more modular approach to examination became common in many subjects starting in the late 1980s, and standard for September 2000 and later cohorts, with students taking their subjects to the half-credit "AS" level after one year and proceeding to full A-level the next year (sometimes in fewer subjects). In 2015, Ofqual decided to change back to a terminal approach where students sit all examinations at the end of th...