Fiction, Social Cognitive Skills, and ASD students : A series of lesson plans based on Mark Haddon's novel The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Abstract: Working with students on the spectrum, I often find myself trying to clarify and mediate misinterpretations between students, interruptions in conversations, and reminding them to be active listeners. This essay aims to explore ways in which literature could enhance social cognitive skills among students on the autism spectrum by utilizing Michelle Garcia Winner's methodology, the ILAUGH model, in conjunction with Mark Haddon’s novel The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. In order to build social-cognitive skills among ASD students, literature offers concrete examples of social interaction, non-verbal language, perspectives of others, and role models that the students can mimic. The ILAUGH model's clear structure facilitates the approach to literature in the classroom and can become an instrument in the school environment that raises confidence and helps students feel safe and free from anxiety.