Francisco X. Stork's novel Marcelo in the Real World focuses on a 17-year-old boy named Marcelo Sandoval who has an unnamed cognitive disorder similar to Asperger's syndrome. The document provides background on cognitive disorders, Asperger's syndrome, Marcelo's special interests in various world religions, and therapies like equine therapy that may help those with cognitive disorders. It also includes a brief biography of author Francisco X. Stork and lists resources for further information.

1. Marcelo in the Real World
by Francis X Stork
Background Information
HIGH SCHOOL LANGUAGE ARTS
STUDENTS
Aimee Priem Eric Milton Aimee Wilson

2. About the Author
• Francisco Stork majored in Literature, Law
• Experience with the developmentally disabled
• Worked for Department of Mental Health
• Lived with “normal” and developmentally disabled
• Attorney for affordable housing and writer

3. Cognitive Disorders
Mental conditions- difficulty
thinking clearly
Effects
• thinking and perceptual processes
• learning and retaining new information
Milder Cognitive Disorder for younger patients

4. Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptoms
• Lacks Social Skills
• Doesn’t speak in normal tones
• Loses use of previously acquired language
• Performs repetitive movements
• Sensitive to activity around them

5. Asperger’s Syndrome Symptoms
"Socially and emotionally inappropriate behavior
Obsession with one or two subjects
Repetitive behaviors or rituals;
Peculiarities in speech and language;
Problems with nonverbal communication..."
List from asperger-advice.com

6. Asperger’s Syndrome Symptoms
"Lack of empathy
Clumsy and uncoordinated motor movements
Inflexibility or rigid thinking
Fear of changes;
Constant daily routines"
List from asperger-advice.com

7. Marcelo’s Special Interest
Religions and God
Mainly:
•Catholicism- His Family Heritage
• Judaism- Friendship with Rabbi Herschel
• Buddhism- Named dog after their prayers

8. Religious Distribution
in the United States
in 2009

9. Religion Quick Reference
Religion Catholicism Judaism Buddhism
Clergy Title Priest Rabbi Monk
House of Church Synagogue/Temple Temple
Worship
Holy Text Bible Torah Tripitika
Great Teacher Jesus Jesus Buddha

10. Equine Therapy
Equine therapy is new but successful
Natural leaders for horse, easy commands
Many benefits:
• Focus on movement and sense stimulation
• Motor skills and social improvements

11. Dementia
• Isn't one disease but many symptoms
• Includes memory loss
• Causes personality changes
• Loses ability to reason
• Difficulty communicating with others

12. Resources to Visit
AUTISM
www.greatlakesautism.org/
www.autism.com
www.autismspeaks.org
EQUINE THERAPY
www.pineknollfarm.com/4hf/programs.htm
www.wayofthehorse.org/Articles/horse-therapy.html
www.equine-psychotherapy.com/equine.html
RELIGION
www.religioustolerance.org/var_rel.htm

13. Work Cited
"Asperger Symptoms." Asperger Advice. Joy De Vries, 2007. Web. 4 Apr.
2012. <http://www.asperger-advice.com/asperger-symptoms.html>.
"Cognitive Disorder - Types, Symptoms and Treatment." Cognitive Disorder. Our Company, 2012.
Web. 4 Apr. 2012. <http://cognitivedisorder.net/>.
"Cognitive Disorders." Brain Training. LearningRx Franchise Corp., 2012. Web. 4 Apr. 2012.
<http://www.learningrx.com/cognitive-disorders-faq.htm>.
"Equine Therapy for Children with Asperger's and Autism." Aspen Education: Help for Troubled Teens.
Aspen Education Group, 2009. Web. 4 Apr. 2012. <http://www.equine-therapy-
programs.com/aspergers.html>.
"Franklin Levinson's Way of the Horse." The Way of the Horse. Franklin Levinson, 2011. Web. 4 Apr.
2012. <http://www.wayofthehorse.org/Articles/horse-therapy.html>.
Highland Creek Design. “About Francisco X. Stork.” Francisco Stork. 2000. Web. 4 April 2012.
<http://www.franciscostork.com/about_francisco.php>.
Robinson, B. A. "Religions of the World: Information About40 Organized Religions and Faith Groups."
World Religions. Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance, 2012. Web. 4 Apr. 2012.
<http://www.religioustolerance.org/var_rel.htm>.
Staff, Mayo Clinic. "Asperger's Syndrome: Symptoms." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical
Education and Research, 18 Nov. 2010. Web. 4 Apr. 2012.
<http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aspergers-syndrome/DS00551/DSECTION=symptoms>.
Staff, Mayo Clinic. "Definition of Dementia." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and
Research, 16 Apr. 2011. Web. 4 Apr. 2012. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dementia/DS01131>.
Staff, Mayo Clinic. "Symptoms of Autism." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and
Research, 27 May 2010. Web. 4 Apr. 2012.
<http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/autism/DS00348/DSECTION=symptom