PDD-NOS In Harold Bell Wright's The Shepherd Of The Hills

“Autism Spectrum Disorder is the diagnostic category that includes autism, Aspergers disorder, and PDD-NOS” (Schall and McDonough 82). PDD-NOS stands for ‘Pervasive Development Disorder Not Otherwise Specified.’ People with PDD-NOS show symptoms of both autism and Asperger’s syndrome, thus their own subgroup under the autism spectrum. They are considered on the spectrum as unclassified. The criteria for PDD-NOS describe “(1) qualitative impairments in social interaction, (2) qualitative impairments in verbal and non-verbal communication and (3) restricted and stereotypes patterns of behavior, interests and activities” (Giltaij 138). Although a clear diagnosis is not given to Pete Howard in Harold Bell Wright’s “The Shepherd of the Hills”, it

This is because in the brain of an individual on the autistic spectrum, there is a “poor connectivity between the cortical structures and the amygdala” which could result in “highly uncoordinated assessment and reactions of the social cues” (Truitt 113). The amygdala, which is part of the limbic is responsible for the response to emotions. The Social cues such as connecting on an emotional level, is a task these individuals struggle with. As Pete emerges through the woods towards Mr. Howitt and his flock, “…he came forward in a shy, hesitating way, an expression of amazement and wonder crept into the stranger’s face….” (Wright 44). Characteristics such as shy and hesitant indicate Pete feels awkward and unsure of himself. He is most likely hesitant because he cannot interpret other people’s faces accurately. His brain does not allow him to read between the

For example, an individual with this type of disability may be deathly afraid of being in a social setting but, will have no problem staying the night at a haunted cabin. Sammy Lane is afraid of staying alone in an old ruined cabin for the night. She is apprehensive of the ‘haunts’ or ghosts that supposedly roam down there under the bluff. When telling the shepherd why he should be scared of the hants Sammy says “Ain’t ‘nother man or woman in the whole country would dast spend the night here, Dad; except Pete of course” (Wright 102). Considering Sammy is fearful of spending the night by herself indicates Pete would not be afraid to do so. A possible explanation is his amygdala has a defect, causing his emotions to be