education

Intellectual Disability: What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (Movie) Est. Time: 2 Hours Viewing/45 Minutes Class

The contents of this case study were developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, #H325F060003. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. Project Officer, Shedeh Hajghassemali.

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 Activity

Synopsis Gilbert lives in a small town with his younger sister, his morbidly obese mother, and his brother Arnie, who has an intellectual disability. Gilbert, a young adult, is forced to be the patriarch and must provide for his dysfunctional family and act as the primary caretaker for his brother. Gilbert falls in love with Becky, who is passing through town with her grandmother. He begins to readjust his priorities but feels guilty for putting his needs before those of his family’s.

Activity View the following movie and be prepared to discuss the questions below in class:

Title: What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) Studio: Paramount

Questions/Discussion Topics 1. In this film, one of the central characters has an intellectual disability. Describe Arnie’s

behaviors that are illustrative of developmental disabilities. 2. What experiences challenge Arnie’s adaptive skills (skills that allow an individual to function

in daily life)? 3. Think about Arnie’s needs. What types and levels of support would you recommend for

him? How could Arnie’s family take advantage of these supports? 4. Imagine that you have a sibling with an intellectual disability. What would be your biggest

challenge? What would be your biggest reward?