The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime

The novel, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon, opens ones mind to a different perspective of Autism, the perspective of the victim. The story is from the viewpoint of the main character, Christopher Boone. Christopher manages to become more independent and successful by his efforts to solve a murder mystery of his neighbor’s dog, Wellington. Christopher interprets the outside world differently than most, however, through his strengths, support, and the functional model view, Christopher can conquer this disability.

Christopher has trouble socializing, communicating and responding appropriately to his environment, which makes it clear that he has a disability (Barnes). Autism affects ones ability to socialize effectively and this is apparent through his lack of eye contact and how he removes himself from social situations at school. He even dreams of a virus that kills everyone who makes eye contact with each other and only he would survive (Haddon, 198). Sometimes, when Christopher has a “black day” he entirely removes himself socially and will not talk to or look at anyone the entire day. Christopher has trouble showing emotions and forming relationships with the people close to him. He loses trust with his father in an instant when he finds out that his father killed Wellington (120). Also, Christopher does not like to be touched so instead of hugging, him and his father simply press their hands against each other. This shows Christopher’s lack for emotions. Autism effects Christopher’s ability to respond appropriately. For example, he curled up in a ball and starting screaming when he found Wellington dead (4). While this disability affects Christopher’s ability to socialize, form relationships, and respond appropriately he still can overcome this disability through strategies and therapy and be a successful individual.

To help Christopher improve we could view him through the functional model. The