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 Genius
Genes: How Asperger Talents Changed the World by Michael Fitzgerald
and Brendan O'Brien
$24.95  
2007, ISBN 978-1-931282-44-4
Genius Genes: How
Asperger Talents Changed the World proposes that many famous historical
figures had an autistic mind-style, and that this should color the way
we approach autism today. Arguing that highly creative people are largely
"born and not made," the authors present case studies of the
lives of 21 famous individuals, tying their personalities, talents and
lifestyles to the major characteristics of Asperger Syndrome. This book's
chief importance lies in challenging - from a fresh perspective an often
negative perception of autism and Asperger Syndrome by demonstrating that
many persons with autism spectrum disorders have lived rich, complex and
productive lives, and that their intelligence and special talents contributed
hugely to shaping the world that we now know.
Reviews
"I wish this book had been available when I was being teased in high
school for being a weird nerd. Genius Genes is recommended reading for
individuals on the autism spectrum and for anyone who has ever been called
a nerd. It will help them feel good about themselves and motivate them
to achieve their dreams."
- Temple Grandin, author of Thinking in Pictures and Developing Talents
"Fitzgerald and
O'Brien have produced a beautiful book illustrating how some of the greatest
innovators in history may have had a significant number of autistic traits
or might have warranted a diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome, had they been
alive today. The authors recognize that for historical figures such speculation
can never be validated beyond fragmented biographical evidence, and that
these great figures may not be representative of all people with AS. Nevertheless,
their point is well made: People with AS not only have a disability (in
managing rapidly changing social situations) but also have many talents
(in attention to detail, pursuing a single topic in depth, and the ability
to see patterns)."
- Simon Baron Cohen, Professor of Developmental Psychopathology and
Director of the Autism Research Centre, Cambridge University
"Above and beyond
the question of whether these giants of intellect and creativity merited
a diagnosis of autism, Genius Genes establishes how people with the characteristics
of Asperger Syndrome and high-functioning autism have contributed greatly
to humanity, western civilization in particular. This is a must read for
anyone interested in how people with different ways of being can make
the world a better place."
- Stephen Shore, Author of Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with
Autism and Asperger Syndrome; editor and contributor to Ask and Tell:
Self-Advocacy and Disclosure for People on the Autism Spectrum; co-author
of Understanding Autism for Dummies; member of the Board of Directors
of the Asperger's Association of New England and the Board of Directors
of the Autism Society of America.
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