MOVIE ANALYSIS

RAIN MAN
 MOVIE SUMMARY

• RAIN MAN is the story of Charlie Babbitt (TOM CRUISE),

a smooth talking young man running from a background he
barely remembers. Raymond Babbitt (DUSTIN
HOFFMAN) is his autistic savant brother who has
inherited three million dollars from their recently deceased
father. While attempting to trick his brother out of money,
Charlie instead is taught life's lessons by Raymond, who
ironically is incapable of understanding them himself.
• It is their journey across America in a '49 Buick, when
Charlie discovers the key to his past, that is the heart and
soul of RAIN MAN.
 WHAT IS AUTISM?

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a broad term used

to describe a group of neurodevelopmental disorders.
• These disorders are characterized by problems with
communication and social interaction. People with
ASD often demonstrate restricted, repetitive, and
stereotyped interests or patterns of behavior.
 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

• Character “Raymond Babbitt” was based off of Kim Peek

• Kim Peek
• “Mega-Savant” & “The Living Google”
• Reading rate: 2 pages/10seconds
• Left page with left eye; right page with right eye
• Memorized the bible and 12,000 other books
• Poor motor skills
• Brushing teeth, dressing, etc.
• Died in 2009 (Age 58)
 THEORIES OF FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY

• The mind blindness theory

The Mind Blindness theory proposes that children with autism syndrome are
delayed in the development of their ToM, leaving them with degrees of mind
blindness. As a consequence, they find other people’s behavior confusing and
unpredictable, even frightening. Evidence for this comes from difficulties they
show at each point in the development of the capacity to mind read.
 THEORIES OF FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY

• The empathising-systemising (E-S) theory:

This newer theory explains the social and communication difficulties in autism
and Asperger’s syndrome by reference to delays and deficits in empathy, whilst
explaining the areas of strength by reference to intact or even superior skill in
systemising (Baron-Cohen, 2002).
 CONNCECTION OF THE MOVIE

• Although Raymond has autism, he also has superb memory recall, but little
understanding of subject matter thus making him an "overgrown child".
• He is frightened by change and adheres to strict routines. Except when he is in
distress, he shows little emotional expression and avoids eye contact.
• Until later in the movie, Charlie is unaware of Raymond’s autism and
struggles with being constantly frustrated with him even after he becomes
aware of his autism.
 CONNCECTION OF THE MOVIE

• In Rain Man, Raymond displays certain criterions of autism all

throughout the movie.
• Examples:
• Raymond was very inflexible to adhering to specific routines or rituals
such as when he wasn’t able to have his toothpicks and maple-syrup
ready in front of him before pancakes arrived at the diner.
Raymond exhibits the use of repetitive use of language or idiosyncratic
language as he and Charlie drove through the city; Raymond imitated
noises he heard such as howling .
Raymond is socially inept and is unable to communicate with others
adequately such as with his brother and his brother’s girlfriend.
 CAUSES

The exact cause of ASD is unknown. The most current research demonstrates
that there’s no single cause.
 Some of the suspected risk factors for autism include:
• having an family member with autism
• genetic mutations
• fragile X syndrome and other genetic disorders
• being born to older parents
• low birth weight
• metabolic imbalances
 RISK FACTORS

• Your child's sex. Boys are about four times more likely to
develop autism spectrum disorder than girls are.
• Family history. Families who have one child with autism spectrum disorder
have an increased risk of having another child with the disorder. ...
• Other disorders...
• Extremely preterm babies. ...
• Parents' ages.
 TREATMENT AND PREVENTION

• There's no way to prevent autism spectrum disorder, but there

are treatment options. Early diagnosis and intervention is most
helpful and can improve behavior, skills and language
development. However, intervention is helpful at any age.
• Though children usually don't outgrow autism spectrum disorder
symptoms, they may learn to function well.
 MAIN INTERVENTIONS

• Behavioural interventions
• Behaviour-based approaches to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) focus
on teaching children new behaviours and skills by using specialised,
structured techniques. These techniques are the best teaching tools for
developing skills and encouraging appropriate behaviour.
• Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
• Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center (DDDC) Program
• Incidental teaching
 MAIN INTERVENTIONS

• Developmental interventions
• Developmental approaches to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) aim to
help children form positive, meaningful relationships with other people.
They focus on teaching children social and communication skills in
everyday, structured settings. They also aim to help children
develop skills for daily living.
THANK YOU!!!

SAFI QURESHI
RAMEEN ASLAM