The Autistic Brain: Thinking Across the Spectrum by Temple Grandin and Richard Panek

from goodreads

4 stars

I think in today's society autism has touched everyone. Whether you personally know someone or your favourite celebrity is talking about it.

The first book I read about someone who was on the spectrum was Born on a Blue Day by Daniel Tammet. It was a mind opening experience for me. You get a first person glance into how his brain works and processes things. While I am definitely not an expert on savants or autism now, it helped me have a greater understanding, respect and empathy for those on the spectrum who are trying to make sense of our crazy world.

While I don't have daily interactions with people on the spectrum I know a few people who do. I can't even begin to understand their love, frustration, and other range of emotions that they go through everyday. I am grateful for books like this and others that help shed more light and knowledge on the autism spectrum. Hopefully with more knowledge out there a greater understanding, patience and kindness will occur.

Synopsis

Temple Grandin, a high functioning autistic adult, looks at the brain make up of people with autism and examines how advances in brain research shed new light onto the complexities of autism.

My Thoughts

This was a really fascinating read. While at times it could get quite technical with some of the science, it was interesting to see some of the comparisons between the autistic brain and the "standard" brain.

Austism is very complex. Often it manifests itself different ways. Quite often no two brain scans of people with autism look alike making it hard to have a blanket treatment. The possibilites of advancing brain scans have in enabling a more personalized treatment is very exciting.

It was interesting how she explores and shows that autism is not a manifestation of something "deficient" or "wrong" in the mind but how it really has to do with how the brain is working. It really is about the brain. She is so optimistic and excited about learning more about the brain and then finding out what strengths come from this difference in wiring of the brain.

I love how she doesn't focus on the label, but more on what the person enjoys and is capable of. We are all capable of something great no matter our "labels". I think we are a little to eager to label people and use that label as a crux of why we or they can't do something, or why we can't live and explore. Yes, labels are helpful if we are using them to figure out different techniques to help an individual navigate the world to be successful. They are not helpful it they are used to segregate or allow people not to experience the world.

This really is a must read.