Well, this book certainly wasn't what I was expecting! And I am thinking that the movie must not be based solely on THIS book. The good news is that I can take Inservice Credit at my job for reading it. :)
This is a valuable resource for anyone who has an autistic family member or friend. I would also love for everyone who chooses not to get their child immunized from serious illnesses to read this book. Temple does a great job at explaining the genetic factor in autism. I have believed for a long time that extremely talented or intelligent people are "different" from the norm. They can't live by "societies rules". They simply either aren't able to - or they don't care.
I also liked how Temple talked about the autism spectrum in relation to manic depression and schizophrenia. I loved the history she provided about Einstein, Van Gogh, Darwin, Mendel, Wittgenstein, and Bill Gates. I had to go through genetic counseling in my final pregnancy because of my age. I was always annoyed because there are SO MANY things out there worse than having a child with Down Syndrome. DS children have so much to contribute to the world - especially when it comes to love and affection. I always thought, 'wouldn't it be so much worse to have an autistic child'?
Temple's thoughts on what our world would be like if the autism spectrum was "erased" was eye-opening to me. If autism and Aspergers were "cured", then where would we be?? I would guess that nearly every "genius", whether it is in music, art, math, intellect, has autistic/Aspergers characteristics. That is what gives these people their intense focus and drive related to their "specialty".
I am completely impressed with Temple's mother. Temple doesn't really talk too much about her and I wished she had said more. But obviously, here was a woman who cared very deeply for her child and seemed to innately know how to help her succeed at a time when most other parents and doctors would have just put a child like this in an institution.
I have a new respect for the autism/Aspergers mind now. I'm not saying that it would be easy or fun to raise a child with autism, but I see that they have a special place in our world - and our growth in the human race.
Ok, now moving on to some "lighter" reading material! :)
Wendy's Rating: ***
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