There's never much going on in Endora, Iowa. The Grape family is one of many people who call this town home. Gilbert is the oldest brother of 4 children, all but one of whom still live at home with their mother. Arnie is 6 days away from turning 18. Doctors told the family they would be lucky if he could live to be 10 years old. The film begins with Arnie and Gilbert watching the caravans go by, an annual tradition before Arnie's birthday. Once the caravans pass, they go into town and head to Gilbert's work. Shortly after his arrival, he is called for a delivery to Mrs. Carver's house. He leaves Arnie alone in the truck, when he leaves the house, Gilbert realizes that Arnie is missing. At the same time, the sheriff passes at full speed; it can only mean one thing. Arriving in the middle of the city, Gilbert sees Arnie. He climbed the water tower again. This is when you see the true bond between Gilbert and his brother Arnie. As Arnie continues to climb higher, his brother takes the speaker and starts singing to him. He is able to coax him through a song, assuring the sheriff that it won't happen again, he can then take him home. Being his brother's primary caretaker, Gilbert is responsible for bathing and getting Arnie ready for bed. One night at dinner, Mom starts yelling at Arnie for repeating the phrase “Dead Dads!” He starts covering his ears, shouting the phrase louder and hitting his head. The next day, Arnie attempts to climb the water tower again. This time however, his sister Ellen attacks him. She pushes him to the ground, kicks him and pulls his hair trying to force him to get up off the ground and away from the tower. Gil... middle of paper ... the best possible outcomes for their lives. Whether or not a child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, everyone has the right to live, learn and achieve their dreams. By learning the warning signs, a child can have a successful future. Works Cited American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing. “How is autism treated?” » Autism speaks. Autism Speaks Inc., June 2012. Web. December 08, 2013. Mayo Clinic Staff. "Autism." Autism - MayoClinic.com. MayoClinic, October 6, 2012. Web. December 11, 2013. “What is autism?” ". What is autism? Autism speaks. Autism Speaks Inc., June 2012. Web. Dec 08. 2013. .