Hello, my name is Matt and this is my blog of the research project I did for Mrs. Zurkowski's class (English) at John Carroll. If you look around my blog, you can see a lot of posts and some other cool things. My blog only has one page so you can just scroll down and up to see everything.
The book I read this summer was Cruise Control by Terry Trueman. If you read the first part of the blog, you can see that it tells you about the book and the author. The second part of my blog is about the social issue of Autism. The posts about Autism gives you a lot of facts about the issue of Autism in our society. I hope you take the time to read my blog because it is vey educaational and interesting.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Pen Pal Letter
Dear Paul McDaniel,Hello, my name is Matt. I read the book Cruise Control over this past summer and enjoyed it a lot. I went on vacation to Florida and Myrtle Beach. I also went to golf, basketball, and baseball camp.
I enjoyed the novel and I liked how you changed your ways of treating people in the story after you had resolved your conflicts. I like how the author builds the suspense as the story unfolds and how the character is realistic to the reader and relates to many teens. When I saw that you changed your ways of handling people and dealing with your father, I had a better image of you as a person.
I think the novel will leave me thinking more about the social issue in the story and can raise awareness of the issue by asking people to read this novel. I can also help out at centers with autistic people and reaearch autism. Hopefully you can keep up your good ways. Have a good year in college!!!
Sincerely, Matt
Monday, September 22, 2008
Book Review of Cruise Control
The book Cruise Control by Terry Trueman is a suspenseful story that makes you never want to stop reading. This story would appeal to many teenagers because it relates to the conflicts that many teenagers go through in their daily lives. In this story a star high school basketball player is stuck with a brother who is autistic and doesn’t understand anything. Paul McDaniel, the main character, is angry at his father because he left Paul’s brother and the whole family. Paul has to be the man of the house now and can’t go away to college to play basketball because he has to take care of his responsibilities in the house. As the story unfolds the truth of why Paul’s father left the family is revealed and changes Paul’s life.
This book was very interesting because it lets you explore the main character’s thoughts and feelings. In the story Paul tells the reader that his brother has the brain of a badminton birdie and a body to match. Also, Paul describes to the reader that he hates his dad and thinks he is a total jerk. Paul explains that he thinks he gets angry so much because he thinks of his father and takes his anger out on other people. Paul’s thoughts and feelings of his father change when he learns the truth about why he left the family.
This book had a very good plot because the story became more suspenseful as it led to the next event. I liked the author’s writing style because a teenager was telling the story in the language and slang that most teenagers use. This made the story seem realistic to the reader. The author describes the characters in detail and lets you have a clear mental image of the specific character. The message of the story made a good case that autistic people need more care and attention because of the physical and mental disabilities they have. My overall rating of this story is four stars because it is very suspenseful and realistic. I would recommend this book to teenagers who are having problems in their lives and looking to escape them.
This book was very interesting because it lets you explore the main character’s thoughts and feelings. In the story Paul tells the reader that his brother has the brain of a badminton birdie and a body to match. Also, Paul describes to the reader that he hates his dad and thinks he is a total jerk. Paul explains that he thinks he gets angry so much because he thinks of his father and takes his anger out on other people. Paul’s thoughts and feelings of his father change when he learns the truth about why he left the family.
This book had a very good plot because the story became more suspenseful as it led to the next event. I liked the author’s writing style because a teenager was telling the story in the language and slang that most teenagers use. This made the story seem realistic to the reader. The author describes the characters in detail and lets you have a clear mental image of the specific character. The message of the story made a good case that autistic people need more care and attention because of the physical and mental disabilities they have. My overall rating of this story is four stars because it is very suspenseful and realistic. I would recommend this book to teenagers who are having problems in their lives and looking to escape them.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Biography of Terry Trueman
Terry Trueman was born on December 15, 1947 in Birmingham, Alabama and moved to Seattle when he was only about a year and a half old. He went to the University of Washington and earned a B.A. in 1971. He got married while still in college and went on to be married three other times after that. After he got out of college, he taught in Australia for two years, then came back to the Pacific Northwest and earned an M.A in psychology in 1975. In 1979, he became a father when his son was born with cerebral palsy. This experience changed Trueman’s career and life.Trueman began his career of writing by doing book and movie reviews for his local public radio station and town newspaper. Trueman’s growth as a writer was both slow and painful as he described it. He published several chapbooks through the 1990’s. Trueman was a poet, then turned into a novelist when he released his first novel Stuck in Neutral in 2001.This book was meant to be a horror story but as he was writing it, he turned it into a book with a comic, ironic twist to it. Trueman enjoys writing about things close to his own life. His models as a writer are Charles Bukowski and Raymond Carver because their line is straight and direct as Trueman puts it. Trueman has strong feelings about real issues in life, our country, and our culture which shows in his books. Trueman’s style of writing about issues in life and about things that is close to him paid off as he has won several awards for the books he has written.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Issue Statement
The social issue I will focus on is autism and how it affects people who have to deal with it in their daily lives. The questions I have after reading the article on autism are the following:
What percent of autistic people live relatively normal lives?
What causes autistic people to have seizers or act abnormal?
What are the genetic factors contributing to autism?
What percent of autistic people live relatively normal lives?
What causes autistic people to have seizers or act abnormal?
What are the genetic factors contributing to autism?
Friday, September 19, 2008
Works Cited 1
“Autism." Sick! Ed.David Newton and Donna Olendorf. Detroit: UXL, 2000. Student Resource Center - Gold Gale. John Carrol School. 22 Sep. 2008.
· Autism is a severe disorder that affects the way the brain uses or transmits information
· People who suffer from Autism usually show behaviors that are repeated over and over again in standard patterns
· Autism appears to be a genetic disorder
· Some children with autism show a unique talent in one specific area such as mathematics, memory, music, or art
· There is no cure for autism and it is a lifelong disorder
Direct Quote:
· “This disorder almost certainly develops before the child is born. The problem may be located in parts of the brain that process information that comes from the senses, such as the eyes and ears.”
· Autism is a severe disorder that affects the way the brain uses or transmits information
· People who suffer from Autism usually show behaviors that are repeated over and over again in standard patterns
· Autism appears to be a genetic disorder
· Some children with autism show a unique talent in one specific area such as mathematics, memory, music, or art
· There is no cure for autism and it is a lifelong disorder
Direct Quote:
· “This disorder almost certainly develops before the child is born. The problem may be located in parts of the brain that process information that comes from the senses, such as the eyes and ears.”
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Works Cited 2
Walsh, James. “A School Where Autistic Kids Aren't Alone.” Star Tribune. (Dec. 18, 2007), n.p. SIRS Researcher. JohnCarrollSchool.22Sep.2008 <http://sks.sirs.com/cgibin/hstarticledisplay?id=SMD0067H0580&artno=0000271395&type=ART&shfilter=U&key=&title=A%20chool%20Where%20Autistic%20Kids%20Aren%27t%20Alone&res=Y&ren=Y&gov=Y&lnk=Y&ic=Y>
· Autism affects social interaction, the ability to communicate feelings and ideas, and the ability to make relationships with other people
· Charter schools have been a way for parents to meet their need of taking care of their autistic children
· Autism is estimated to occur in as many as one in 166 people and is four times more likely to occur in a boy then in a girl
· Experts acknowledge that many children with autism do fine in traditional public schools
· Autism is present from birth or very early in development
Direct Quote:
· "Education is market-driven," she said. "If you are looking for what would be considered a fairly restrictive place, where all the kids are autistic, that might serve the needs of a specific family. But another might not want that."
· Autism affects social interaction, the ability to communicate feelings and ideas, and the ability to make relationships with other people
· Charter schools have been a way for parents to meet their need of taking care of their autistic children
· Autism is estimated to occur in as many as one in 166 people and is four times more likely to occur in a boy then in a girl
· Experts acknowledge that many children with autism do fine in traditional public schools
· Autism is present from birth or very early in development
Direct Quote:
· "Education is market-driven," she said. "If you are looking for what would be considered a fairly restrictive place, where all the kids are autistic, that might serve the needs of a specific family. But another might not want that."
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Works Cited 3
Pardes, Herbert. "Mental Illness." Encyclopedia Americana. 2008. Grolier Online. 22 Sep. 2008.<http://ea.grolier.com/cgi-bin/article?assetid=0267310-00>
· Mental Illness ranks among the foremost public-health problems in America and in the world
· Of all the people affected by mental illness, about 20% receive specialized mental healthcare
· There are effective therapies for the major mental illnesses
· In early America, mental health problems were primarily a family responsibility
· It is estimated that 15% of the U.S. population experience a diagnosable mental disorder during the course of a given year
Direct Quote:
· "Psychological well-being or adequate adjustment, particularly as such adjustment conforms to the community-accepted standards of what human relations should be."
· Mental Illness ranks among the foremost public-health problems in America and in the world
· Of all the people affected by mental illness, about 20% receive specialized mental healthcare
· There are effective therapies for the major mental illnesses
· In early America, mental health problems were primarily a family responsibility
· It is estimated that 15% of the U.S. population experience a diagnosable mental disorder during the course of a given year
Direct Quote:
· "Psychological well-being or adequate adjustment, particularly as such adjustment conforms to the community-accepted standards of what human relations should be."
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Works Cited 4
Braus, Patricia. "Autism." Gale Encyclopedia of Science. Ed. K. Lee Lerner and Brenda Wilmoth Lerner. 4th ed. Detroit: Gale Group, 2008. Student Resource Center - Gold. Gale. John Carrol School. 23 Sep. 2008 . <http://find.galegroup.com/srcx/retrieve.do?subjectParam=Locale%2528en%252C%252C%2529%253AFQE%253D%2528su%252CNone%252C6%2529autism%2524&contentSet=GSRC&sort=Relevance&tabID=T001&sgCurrentPosition=0&subjectAction=DISPLAY_SUBJECTS&prodId=SRC-1&searchId=R1¤tPosition=2&userGroupName=bel71807&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&sgHitCountType=None&qrySerId=Locale%28en%2C%2C%29%3AFQE%3D%28SU%2CNone%2C6%29autism%24&inPS=true&searchType=BasicSearchForm&displaySubject=&docId=EJ2644040215&docType=GSRC>
· Some people with autism have a high intelligence level
· Experts recommend early education for autistic individuals using approaches specifically geared for them
· Autism is considered to be the fastest growing development disability in the United States
· In the 1980s some parents and educators had great success using facilitated communication, a technique that used a keyboard to help the autistic student communicate
· Just about half of autistic people never learn to speak
Direct Quote:
· “Given the need for organization and repetitive behavior among autistic people, many experts suggest a structured environment with a clearly defined schedule. Some experts advocate special schools for autistic children while others recommend including them in a general school program with appropriate help.”
· Some people with autism have a high intelligence level
· Experts recommend early education for autistic individuals using approaches specifically geared for them
· Autism is considered to be the fastest growing development disability in the United States
· In the 1980s some parents and educators had great success using facilitated communication, a technique that used a keyboard to help the autistic student communicate
· Just about half of autistic people never learn to speak
Direct Quote:
· “Given the need for organization and repetitive behavior among autistic people, many experts suggest a structured environment with a clearly defined schedule. Some experts advocate special schools for autistic children while others recommend including them in a general school program with appropriate help.”
Monday, September 15, 2008
Works Cited 5
Bohan, Suzanne. "Study: Premature Babies More Likely to Develope Autism." Sirs. 2 Apr. 2008. John Carroll School. 24 Sept. 2008 . <http://sks.sirs.com/cgi-bin/hst-article-display?id=SMD0067H-0-6522&artno=0000275450&type=ART&shfilter=U&key=&title=Study%3A%20Premature%20Babies%20More%20Likely%20to%20Develop%20Autism&res=Y&ren=Y&gov=Y&lnk=Y&ic=Y>
· A new study reported that one- quarter of babies born extremely premature had signs of autism at the time they were about to turn two years old
· Those with autism may act out with anger, violence or self-injury because they are frustrated by their inability to communicate
· Researchers are certain that there is a genetic factor that leads to autism
· According to a study, the average family cost associated with an autistic child is $6,200 a year
· The number of California students born with autism, who require expensive special education, grew from 2.2 percent to 5.8 percent in 2007, the state Department of education reported
Direct Quote:
· “Infants' brains are far more "plastic and changeable" than those of older children and adults. With parents and behavioral specialists intervening early by encouraging eye contact, enjoyment of other people, and talking, they can alter the course of the condition.”
· A new study reported that one- quarter of babies born extremely premature had signs of autism at the time they were about to turn two years old
· Those with autism may act out with anger, violence or self-injury because they are frustrated by their inability to communicate
· Researchers are certain that there is a genetic factor that leads to autism
· According to a study, the average family cost associated with an autistic child is $6,200 a year
· The number of California students born with autism, who require expensive special education, grew from 2.2 percent to 5.8 percent in 2007, the state Department of education reported
Direct Quote:
· “Infants' brains are far more "plastic and changeable" than those of older children and adults. With parents and behavioral specialists intervening early by encouraging eye contact, enjoyment of other people, and talking, they can alter the course of the condition.”
Monday, September 1, 2008
Investigative Report
Autism:
Living In a Different World
Do you know what the fastest growing development disability in the United States is? The answer is Autism. Some people have to deal with this disorder that is lifelong and has no cure. Many people have to deal with Autism in their daily lives. Autistic people are stuck with this disorder which affect them operating in their lives. The general problems associated with Autism today are treatment and care for autistic individuals. Doctors and researchers need to use the top technology available today to find solutions to Autism and to make sure autistic people receive the appropriate treatment and care.
Autism is a severe disorder that affects many people who have while there are many facts to prove it. Autism affects the way the brain uses or transmits information. This makes communication very hard and almost impossible for some autistic people. There is no cure for Autism and it is a lifelong disorder. Since there is no cure for Autism, many relatives of autistic people sacrifice part of their daily lives to do what they can to make life the best it can be for them. People in autistic families have much greater responsibilities than the average person (“Sick”). Autism is considered to be the fastest growing development disorder in the United States today (Braus). With this disorder increasing throughout the country, there is certainly a need for solutions. This disorder almost certainly develops before the child is born and may be located in parts of the brain that processes information that comes from the senses. Autism
alters the lifestyle of unfortunate people who have it and their families.
Causes of Autism are still being researched but researchers have discovered some possible causes. Autism appears to be a genetic disorder (“Sick!”). Children with autistic parents are far more likely to be autistic themselves rather than having parents without the disorder. A study reported that one-quarter of babies born extremely premature showed signs of Autism at the time they were approaching their second birthday. This means that premature babies are more likely to develop Autism than those not premature. Researchers are certain that there is a genetic factor that leads to Autism. Sally Ozonoff explained that “Infants’ brains are far more “plastic and changeable” than those of older children and adults. With parents and behavioral specialists intervening early by encouraging eye contact, enjoyment of other people, and talking, they can alter the course of the condition (Bohan).” By knowing more about what causes Autism, people have a better chance of preventing this disorder.
Many autistic people exemplify varied disabilities, while some exemplify special abilities. People who suffer from Autism usually show behaviors that are repeated over and over again in standard patterns (Walsh). Those with the Autism may act with anger, violence, or even self-injury because of their inability to communicate (Bohan). With some of the disabilities sometimes come special abilities. Some people with Autism have a high intelligence level (Braus). Some autistic children may show special talents in art, music, and other areas. Researchers need to use the top technology to assist autistic people in overcoming their disabilities and bringing out their special abilities in a very productive way.
Treatment and care for autistic people need to be improved to fit their specific need.
There are effective therapies for the major mental illnesses (Pardes). Experts recommend early education for autistic children using approaches specifically geared for them (Braus). Also, many experts suggest a structured environment with a defined schedule because of the need for organization and repetitive behavior among autistic students. Charter schools have been a way for parents to meet their need of taking care of their autistic child (Walsh). These schools relieve some responsibilities of parents. Autistic children need an environment specifically for them to learn in order to receive the best education possible.
The general problems associated with Autism today are treatment and care for autistic people. The government needs to do everything in their power to make sure autistic people receive the correct treatment and care. We need to make sure autistic people get the best education and treatment geared towards them such as special therapies and schools that would best fit their needs and their parent’s needs. It is important to continue to finding solutions to deal with Autism today because it is the fastest growing development disorder in the United States and it is a lifelong disorder. Doctors and researchers need to use the best technology today to make sure autistic individuals get the top treatment and care they deserve and also need to find solutions to Autism.
Works Cited
Ed: Newton, David and Donna Olendorf. “Sick!” Detroit: UXL (2000). Student Resource Center
Gold. Thomson Gale. John Carroll School, Bel Air, MD. 4 October 2008. <http://find.galegroup.com/>.
Walsh, James. “A School Where Autistic Kids Aren’t Alone.” Star Tribune (18 Dec. 2007).
SIRS Researcher. ProQuest Information and Learning. John Carroll School, Bel Air, MD.
4 October 2008. <http://sks.sirs.com/>.
Pardes, Herbert. “Mental Illness.” Encyclopedia Americana (2008). Grolier Online. Scholastic
Library Publishing. John Carroll School, Bel Air, MD. 4 October 2008. <http://go.grolier.com/>.
Braus, Patricia. “Autism.” Gale Encyclopedia of Science (2008). Student Resource Center -
Gold. Thomson Gale. John Carroll School, Bel Air, MD. 4 October 2008
<http://find.galegroup.com/>.
Bohan, Suzanne. “Study: Premature Babies More Likely to Develop Autism.” San Mateo County
Times (2 Apr. 2008). SIRS Researcher. ProQuest Information and Learning. John
Carroll School, Bel Air, MD. 4 October 2008. <http://sks.sirs.com/>.
Living In a Different World
Do you know what the fastest growing development disability in the United States is? The answer is Autism. Some people have to deal with this disorder that is lifelong and has no cure. Many people have to deal with Autism in their daily lives. Autistic people are stuck with this disorder which affect them operating in their lives. The general problems associated with Autism today are treatment and care for autistic individuals. Doctors and researchers need to use the top technology available today to find solutions to Autism and to make sure autistic people receive the appropriate treatment and care.
Autism is a severe disorder that affects many people who have while there are many facts to prove it. Autism affects the way the brain uses or transmits information. This makes communication very hard and almost impossible for some autistic people. There is no cure for Autism and it is a lifelong disorder. Since there is no cure for Autism, many relatives of autistic people sacrifice part of their daily lives to do what they can to make life the best it can be for them. People in autistic families have much greater responsibilities than the average person (“Sick”). Autism is considered to be the fastest growing development disorder in the United States today (Braus). With this disorder increasing throughout the country, there is certainly a need for solutions. This disorder almost certainly develops before the child is born and may be located in parts of the brain that processes information that comes from the senses. Autism
alters the lifestyle of unfortunate people who have it and their families.
Causes of Autism are still being researched but researchers have discovered some possible causes. Autism appears to be a genetic disorder (“Sick!”). Children with autistic parents are far more likely to be autistic themselves rather than having parents without the disorder. A study reported that one-quarter of babies born extremely premature showed signs of Autism at the time they were approaching their second birthday. This means that premature babies are more likely to develop Autism than those not premature. Researchers are certain that there is a genetic factor that leads to Autism. Sally Ozonoff explained that “Infants’ brains are far more “plastic and changeable” than those of older children and adults. With parents and behavioral specialists intervening early by encouraging eye contact, enjoyment of other people, and talking, they can alter the course of the condition (Bohan).” By knowing more about what causes Autism, people have a better chance of preventing this disorder.
Many autistic people exemplify varied disabilities, while some exemplify special abilities. People who suffer from Autism usually show behaviors that are repeated over and over again in standard patterns (Walsh). Those with the Autism may act with anger, violence, or even self-injury because of their inability to communicate (Bohan). With some of the disabilities sometimes come special abilities. Some people with Autism have a high intelligence level (Braus). Some autistic children may show special talents in art, music, and other areas. Researchers need to use the top technology to assist autistic people in overcoming their disabilities and bringing out their special abilities in a very productive way.
Treatment and care for autistic people need to be improved to fit their specific need.
There are effective therapies for the major mental illnesses (Pardes). Experts recommend early education for autistic children using approaches specifically geared for them (Braus). Also, many experts suggest a structured environment with a defined schedule because of the need for organization and repetitive behavior among autistic students. Charter schools have been a way for parents to meet their need of taking care of their autistic child (Walsh). These schools relieve some responsibilities of parents. Autistic children need an environment specifically for them to learn in order to receive the best education possible.
The general problems associated with Autism today are treatment and care for autistic people. The government needs to do everything in their power to make sure autistic people receive the correct treatment and care. We need to make sure autistic people get the best education and treatment geared towards them such as special therapies and schools that would best fit their needs and their parent’s needs. It is important to continue to finding solutions to deal with Autism today because it is the fastest growing development disorder in the United States and it is a lifelong disorder. Doctors and researchers need to use the best technology today to make sure autistic individuals get the top treatment and care they deserve and also need to find solutions to Autism.
Works Cited
Ed: Newton, David and Donna Olendorf. “Sick!” Detroit: UXL (2000). Student Resource Center
Gold. Thomson Gale. John Carroll School, Bel Air, MD. 4 October 2008. <http://find.galegroup.com/>.
Walsh, James. “A School Where Autistic Kids Aren’t Alone.” Star Tribune (18 Dec. 2007).
SIRS Researcher. ProQuest Information and Learning. John Carroll School, Bel Air, MD.
4 October 2008. <http://sks.sirs.com/>.
Pardes, Herbert. “Mental Illness.” Encyclopedia Americana (2008). Grolier Online. Scholastic
Library Publishing. John Carroll School, Bel Air, MD. 4 October 2008. <http://go.grolier.com/>.
Braus, Patricia. “Autism.” Gale Encyclopedia of Science (2008). Student Resource Center -
Gold. Thomson Gale. John Carroll School, Bel Air, MD. 4 October 2008
<http://find.galegroup.com/>.
Bohan, Suzanne. “Study: Premature Babies More Likely to Develop Autism.” San Mateo County
Times (2 Apr. 2008). SIRS Researcher. ProQuest Information and Learning. John
Carroll School, Bel Air, MD. 4 October 2008. <http://sks.sirs.com/>.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Wild Card
This is my wild card that will hopefully let you understand more about Autism and how it is a big social issue. Some of these pictures show autistic people who have disabilities and some special abilities, The other pictures show how to be aware of this issue and what we can do to help autistic people.
http://www.sess.ie/sess/Images/Block-building.jpg
http://www.sess.ie/sess/Images/Block-building.jpg
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