This is what I had in my pockets 1.A Swiss Army Knife with 13 attachments including a wire-stripper and a saw and a toothpick and tweezers. 2.A piece of string. 3.A piece of wooden puzzle. 4.3 pellets of rat food for Toby, my rat. 5.£ A red paperclip. 7.A key for the front door.

Personality Traits Not talking to other people for a long time Not eating or drinking anything for a long time Not being touched Screaming when angry or confused Not liking being in really small places with other people Smashing things when angry or confused Groaning Refusing to touch things of a certain colour Refusing to use toothbrush if anyone else has touched it. Not eating food if different sorts of food are touching each other Not noticing that other people are angry with them Not smiling Saying things that other people think are rude Hitting other people Getting cross when other people move the furniture Hating France

Autism A mental illness that typically affects a person’s ability to communicate, form relationships with others, and respond appropriately to the environment Some people with autism have few problems with speech and intelligence and are able to function relatively well in society. Others are mentally retarded or mute or have serious language delays. Autism makes some people seem closed off and shut down; others seem locked into repetitive behaviors and rigid patterns of thinking..

Autism People with autism look just like anybody else without the disability. The invisible nature of the disability makes it far harder to recognise and to create an understanding of the condition. People with autism often have difficulty with language and communication and with forming social relationships. They find it difficult to play or use their imagination. Their motor and co-ordination skills may be affected. They may have challenging or repetitive behaviour. They often resist any change to their routine. Autism can't be cured, but people diagnosed with it can achieve a better quality of life with the right support, treatment and education. Early diagnosis can show parents the way to work with their child to overcome some of these affects and to help decide the most appropriate form of schooling for them.

Asperger’s Syndrome A high-function form of Autism, characterised by severe and sustained impairment in social interaction and communication. It is also characterised by restricted, repetitive, stereotyped activities, interests and routines

Asbergers Syndrome A form of autism on the more able end of the autistic spectrum. Often with at least average or above average intelligence. A difficulty in communication (not speech or language). Often with a very wide vocabulary and ability to talk the hind leg off a donkey on a subject of their choosing with little awareness of thereactions of the listener. A difficulty in social relationships. Often loners who are aware of others friendships but unawareof how to make their own. A difficulty with empathy and imagination – e.g. picking up non-verbal signals from others around them and understanding others actions and reactions.

How is it recognised in a Person Otherwise Academically Able? They will not look disabled in any way and may give an air of aloof confidence, but this is deceiving. Theymay :- Avoid direct eye contact (but use peripheral vision) Avoid shaking hands (or touch in any way) Become very uncomfortable with the close proximity of another person when sitting in crowded places (they may seek to sit at the back or side, away from the group) Not be aware of facial expressions or body language that enhances or convey meaning whether accompanied by speech or not Speak very formal (stilted greetings not followed up spontaneously) and often lacking in tone or rhythm Have difficulty asking for help or even recognising the fact that they can ask for help (but they may on their topic argue a point for an extended period to gain clarification) Misunderstand or not even be aware of verbal instructions given to a large group in a casual manner Be very literal in their speech and in their responses to what is said to them (very little understanding of colloquial language)

What does this novel have to offer? ‘It is a hard-hitting, humorous and graphic insight into autism, a window into another world, and it also branches into other gritty issues like parenting, divorce and secrets. In many ways it goes beyond this. Perhaps we all share some of Christopher’s traits. Perhaps we all have ways of coping with reality Perhaps we all have ways of escaping (Nick Potts)