TreadwayTopicTalk

List five facts that you already know about this topic: 1. Boys are more than double as likely to get Autism as girls. 2. There is no cure for Autism—only treatment. 3. A diagnosis is given to a child through a series of tests. A diagnosis, however, cannot be given based on one single test. 4. There are many theories about the cause of Autism, but to this day it is unknown. 5. One common form of Autism is Asperger Syndrome.
 * Topic Talk: Event, Issue, or Other Topic of Interest**
 * Topic Choice: Autism**

1. How did it/will it impact the world? Today, around 1 in 100 children are affected with Autism. This number has been continuously increasing for years, so awareness is essential. 2. Why is there still interest in it today, or why will there continue to be interest in it? As previously mentioned, an increasing amount of children are diagnosed with Autism every day. The disorder theoretically stems from many different causes, so with more knowledge and awareness, these high numbers have potential to decrease, and hopefully someday eliminate altogether. 3. Why are you interested in researching this topic? For the next six years, I will be studying Speech Pathology in hopes to one day work with children with Autism. If my plans do not go through, I plan to work in the Special Education field, so it would be beneficial for me to learn more on the subject. 4. How do you personally connect with this topic? My mom has always been involved with Special Education, so I’ve heard and been around Autism my whole life. She influenced me to want to do the same, and now I want to take my knowledge a step up.
 * Answer these questions about this topic:**

What resources do you think will be useful to you? Specific books? Series of books? Magazines? Periodicals? Interviews? Internet sites? Films? Other? Since this topic is seen frequently, it won’t be hard to find resources. I know for a fact I can find books on Autism in both the library, as well as my mom’s office. Internet sites, films, and even magazines will most likely be beneficial to me as well.
 * Resources**

List five facts that you already know about this person: 1. She started acting as young as age 12. 2. She has won several awards, including three at the 2005 MTV Movie Awards. 3. She has appeared on both television and numerous hit-movies (//The Hot Chick, The Notebook//, etc.). 4. She gained popularity after the making of //Mean Girls//, in 2004. 5. The first movie she was featured in was //My Name is Tanino//.
 * Topic Talk: Person**
 * Topic Choice: Rachel McAdams**

1. How did this person impact the world? She may not have found the cure to an illness, or put an end to world hunger, but she’s an excellent actress who I, as well as people all over the world, look up to. 2. Why do we still learn about this person and his/her works today? Rachel McAdams is a current actress who is still seen and featured in many popular films. She is found in several magazines, as well as talk shows and interviews. 3. Why are you interested in researching this person? I’ve always loved this actress for her acting, as well as the person she truly is. I think researching someone like her would be fun, and I have some good ideas up my sleeve for genres within this topic. 4. How do you personally connect with this person? I may not be able to say that I’m interested in acting just as she is, but I do connect with her personality. She grew up in an ordinary setting, with her two parents and younger sister (just as I did), and she is a celebrity I consider “real.”
 * Answer these questions about this person:**

What resources do you think will be useful to you? Specific books? Series of books? Magazines? Periodicals? Interviews? Internet sites? Films? Other? Since she is a famous actress, it will be easy to find her in magazines and interviews. She is found all over the Internet, so I will have no trouble finding information. I can also look to her films to get some more of my own, personal feedback.
 * Resources**

1. Of your two topic choices, which one do you think you will find the most information about? Please explain. Although Rachel McAdams is a popular actress, it will be much easier to find information on Autism. There is endless information on the subject, between causes, diagnostics, types, or even treatments, whereas with an actress, the information is limited. 2. Of your two topic choices, which one do you really like the best? Please explain. Of my two choices, my favorite one is Autism. I have a strong interest on the subject, and want to learn as much as I can on my own. Although I am interested in learning more about one of my favorite actresses, I think I will benefit more from studying the disorder. The project will be a fun one, as well as an aid to me in my future career.
 * Once you have completed worksheets for __TWO__ topics, please answer these two questions; be prepared to discuss your answers in class:**