RAINMAN
Charlie Babbitt is a young Los Angeles businessman who’s somewhat questionable high end import car business is on the verge of failing. When Charlie hears his wealthy father has passed away he has new found hope that his business will be saved. Charlie flies to Cincinnati for the funeral and reading of the will, only to discover that the only thing left to him is a ‘49 Buick and the
Patton for his fathers’ prized roses. Charlie investigates the Wallbrook institution where the money was left in trust and finds he has an older brother named Raymond, who is an
“autistic savant”. Out of anger Charlie kidnaps Raymond hoping to get the fortune
What is Savant Syndrome?
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A rare but extraordinary condition in which persons with serious mental disabilities, including autistic disorder, have some
“island of genius” that stands in marked, incongruous contrast to overall handicap (Treffert).
Who has Savant Syndrome?
* As many as 1 in 10 persons with autistic disorder have
remarkable abilities in varying degrees.
* Males outnumber females in autism and savant syndrome
(Treffert).
What causes Savant Syndrome?
* One theory that does provide an increasingly plausible explanation for savant syndrome is left brain injury with right brain compensation (Treffert).
*Health Perception/Health Management
* Raymond's perception of health is based on routines. He has a rigid schedule for all facets of his life.
*Nutrition/Metabolic
* Raymond lives in an institution where meals are provided.
He requires the same of Charlie while on the road.
*Pattern of Elimination
* Although the movie makes no reference to elimination,
someone with this diagnosis would have a rigid schedule for elimination as well as the other patterns of his life.
*Pattern of Activity/Exercise
* Raymond has specific times for every activity. He watches programs at a certain time and would have a designated time for all activity.
*Conceptual/Perceptual Pattern
*Although Raymond may be able to calculate in his head how many toothpicks were on the floor, he is unable to do basic things like dress himself.
.
Pattern of Sleep and Rest
* Raymond has a rigid sleep schedule, even while traveling with Charlie. He often says
“lights out 11 pm” even if they are in the car, they must stop so Raymond can be in bed by 11pm. Raymond had specific requirements for his sleeping arrangements. He always had to have the bed by a window.
*Pattern of Self Perception and Self Concept
*Raymond sees himself and others only within his limited capacity. He lacks cognitive flexibility (Treffert).
* Raymond has a very limited view of anyone or anything outside of his own world.
*Role/Relationship Patterns
* Raymond is portrayed as autistic and therefore not capable of having a loving,
* caring relationship with others. He does not like close physical contact. He does
* however accept Charlie as his brother.
*Sexuality/Reproductive Patterns
* Raymond has not so far had any sexual contact. He meets a girl who wants a “date” and
Charlie teaches him how to dance. He gets his first kiss from Charlie’s girlfriend.
* Pattern of Coping and Stress Tolerance
* Many things cause stress for Raymond. When he becomes
*
*
stressed he copes by withdrawing or begins chanting the “who’s on first” scenario (by Abbott and Costello), or he can have violent outbursts. * Pattern of Values and Beliefs
* Raymond takes everything very literally,
* when crossing the street and the walk sigh changes to don’t
*
walk, he stops in the middle of the street.
* Raymond is not capable of having his own
belief system. He knows and remembers what he reads. His life is very structured and he does not
“think outside of the box”.
*Normal assessment findings
*Raymond is well nourished and in good physical health.
*Abnormal or risk-based findings
*Almost all the findings would be abnormal.
*Raymond is at risk for many things were he not
