my shimrps

1. This article tells the story of Trudy Steuernagel, a mother trying to raise an autistic young adult with violent tendencies. Throughout the story many references are made to the growing problem of handling autistic children with violent tendencies, and how many of these abusive relationships go unresolved due to the adults unwillingness to come forth with their troubles and risk demonizing the autistic community. The writer shows how dangerous this is by telling Trudy's story, which does not have a happy ending to say the least.

2. The majority of the story is in the past tense, with occasional factoids thrown in in order to give information about the bigger picture. The journalist does not appear in the story.

3. The structure of the story is different from normal. It opens with the recent past, giving the direct information, before moving backwards to show how things got this way. Trudy's death is a certainty, there is no suspense going on in the following paragraphs, only Sky's change from a sweet young boy to a dangerous man with the mind of a child. The story definitely uses the personal fear aspect of the ordeal, having to live under constant fear of your own offspring is something that would send a shiver down the spine of anyone. The article actually lampshades this, by comparing it all to one of the famous greek tragedies. Similes and metaphors are also used, "By then, Trudy's life began to feel a lot like that closet."

4. The writer reported the story in the past tense, with the main sources being Trudy's husband, Trudy's brother, the caretakers of Sky, several experts on autism in general, and Sky themselves. Almost all of the information was taken via interview and public records, and the reporter had no personal involvement to the actual events taken place.

5. Quotes:

"Sky wasn't a bad kid. I liked him. But he was a handful."

Sheriff Doak on his experiences with Sky post the beatings.

"To whom it may concern:

"If this letter has been opened and is being read, it is because I have been seriously injured or killed by my son, Sky Walker. I love Sky with my whole heart and soul and do not believe he has intentionally injured me. I have tried my best to get help for him and to end the pattern of violence that has developed in this home. I believe my best has not been good enough. That is my fault, not Sky's. Numerous people know about the violence and many have witnessed it. We have all failed Sky. I do not want him to be punished for actions for which he is not responsible.

"Trudy Steuernagel."

Trudy Stueurnagel, a letter of unknown date written in the event of her hospitalization.

"Sky sorry hit Momma,"

Sky, showing some understanding of what he had done, to Scott Stueurnagel, Trudy's brother