While the movie "Rain Man" first brought attention to the world of autism for many people in the 1980s, there has been a lot of research in recent years on this neuropsychological disorder.  Because it is such a timely topic and has many bridges from the University into the greater community, the Common Reading Committee has developed a series of academic programming events around the theme of the autism spectrum disorder, to compliment this year's common reading selection, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.  

"It's a very relevant topic for our students," explained Dr. Laurie B. Hanich, educational foundations, "One in 150 babies will be diagnosed with some form of autism.  And many of our students have interacted with individuals on the autism spectrum since degrees of autism range from very high mathematical abilities to non-verbal abilities."

During fall orientation students participated in book discussions as part of the common reading program.  That was followed by a writing contest for first year students and the Carter G. Woodson lecture by Holly Robinson Peete.  Upcoming activities throughout the year will include service learning projects, guest lecturers including the Anna Funk Lockey lecture in March by Dr. Temple Grandin and the Humanities film Series. 

In addition, throughout the year, faculty will bring campus and community attention to the wider world of disabilities, not just autism.  For example, on March 31, 2010, the Honors College at Millersville will feature a community issues forum on disabilities.  Dr. Dennis Downey, director of the Honors College, will moderate the forum.  Speakers will include Steve Suroviec, the executive director of Arc of Pennsylvania and Judith Gran and Thomas Gilhool, both of the Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia.

Upcoming films/speakers in the "Reframing Autism" series include:

- October 27 - Autism is a World and Outside/Inside

- November 5 - Featured speaker Will Turnbull

- November 17 - Ben X

Common Reading winners:
The winners of the common reading writing contest have been announced and include:
Brittany Mazzurco, of Collegeville, Pa.
Kira Fry, of Kennett Square, Pa.
Kelsey Waite, of Avon Grove, Pa.
Lisa Palmer, of White Hall, Pa
All of the students are freshmen and they received a $250 gift card to the University Bookstore, courtesy of PSECU.

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