The Autistic Brain: Thinking Across the Spectrum
orpha says:
Dr. Temple Grandin is herself autistic. It was fascinating to read her account of the evolution of Autism Spectrum Disorder – changes in how it is diagnosed, understood, and studied – as well as her musings on the current state of autism research. I share her optimism for how advances in neuroscience will continue yielding new insights into the brain's structure. Some important points: (1) We are all on the spectrum. (It's a spectrum.) (2) Neurotypical is not that typical. (3) Autisti...cs contribute meaningfully to society right now. (e.g. Ever heard of Silicon Valley?) We should all creatively look for ways to expand opportunities. For example, imagine the benefits when researchers are hard-wired to see the details first, instead of letting patterns bias their methods and conclusions. (4) Build on strengths of kids with ASD, instead of focusing on deficiencies. This has implications for curriculum requirements in schools; if a child's brain structure prevents him or her from reasoning abstractly, he or she is not going to acquire algebraic number sense through brute force instruction. (5) Look past labels. Saying someone has Autism Spectrum Disorder does not tell you that much; you have to understand each person as an individual, because ASD is really an umbrella diagnosis.
jp122 says:
My first comment. I applaud Dr. Grandin for stating clearly that she has made assumptions about other autistic individuals in her other books, and is realizing that the spectrum is just as wide as possible. It takes a lot, when you are touted as one of the leading voices for the autistic community, to state that you were wrong and change your opinions. And to state that in her latest novel showed incredible humility and bravery.Dr. Grandin has a sort of thirst to know as much about Autism as possible, and this book is a tour through her own research and experiences that have shaped her understanding of the Autistic brain. Sensory issues, anxiety, development, social issues, it's all covered. Along with Dr. Grandin taking the time to experience fMRI and explaining her findings to readers, she shares personal stories throughout her life to help strengthen claims made.At the time of publishing (when I originally read the book), this would have been a strong 5* as a pinnacle voice in the Autistic community. Since then, new voices has emerged, and it has come to light that the age old "High functioning/low functioning" scale is both inaccurate and problematic. It is one that Dr. Grandin uses frequently, and I encourage other readers to further explore that area.All in all, The Autistic Brain is an excellent starting off point for those wishing to learn about Autism, and a strong voice for the community.MoreLess
Dr. Temple Grandin is herself autistic. It was fascinating to read her account of the evolution of Autism Spectrum Disorder – changes in how it is diagnosed, understood, and studied – as well as her musings on the current state of autism research. I share her optimism for how advances in neuroscience will continue yielding new insights into the brain's structure. Some important points: (1) We are all on the spectrum. (It's a spectrum.) (2) Neurotypical is not that typical. (3) Autisti...cs contribute meaningfully to society right now. (e.g. Ever heard of Silicon Valley?) We should all creatively look for ways to expand opportunities. For example, imagine the benefits when researchers are hard-wired to see the details first, instead of letting patterns bias their methods and conclusions. (4) Build on strengths of kids with ASD, instead of focusing on deficiencies. This has implications for curriculum requirements in schools; if a child's brain structure prevents him or her from reasoning abstractly, he or she is not going to acquire algebraic number sense through brute force instruction. (5) Look past labels. Saying someone has Autism Spectrum Disorder does not tell you that much; you have to understand each person as an individual, because ASD is really an umbrella diagnosis.
jp122 says:
My first comment. I applaud Dr. Grandin for stating clearly that she has made assumptions about other autistic individuals in her other books, and is realizing that the spectrum is just as wide as possible. It takes a lot, when you are touted as one of the leading voices for the autistic community, to state that you were wrong and change your opinions. And to state that in her latest novel showed incredible humility and bravery.Dr. Grandin has a sort of thirst to know as much about Autism as possible, and this book is a tour through her own research and experiences that have shaped her understanding of the Autistic brain. Sensory issues, anxiety, development, social issues, it's all covered. Along with Dr. Grandin taking the time to experience fMRI and explaining her findings to readers, she shares personal stories throughout her life to help strengthen claims made.At the time of publishing (when I originally read the book), this would have been a strong 5* as a pinnacle voice in the Autistic community. Since then, new voices has emerged, and it has come to light that the age old "High functioning/low functioning" scale is both inaccurate and problematic. It is one that Dr. Grandin uses frequently, and I encourage other readers to further explore that area.All in all, The Autistic Brain is an excellent starting off point for those wishing to learn about Autism, and a strong voice for the community.MoreLess
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