My book 'Born On A Blue Day: Inside the Extraordinary Mind of an Autistic Savant' has just been released by Free Press in the US. It recently received a starred review in 'Kirkus' saying among other things: 'a riveting account of living with autism...he is quite poetic, especially when he writes about numbers...transcends the disability-memoir genre.'
Temple Grandin, the autistic author of 'Animals in Translation' and 'Thinking in Pictures' has kindly reviewed my book and is quoted on its back cover: 'This book is a must-read for anybody who is interested in how the mind works.'
I'm flying out to New York this weekend to appear on several TV and radio shows to help publicise the book's launch. I'm really looking forward to the whole experience!
You can purchase 'Born On A Blue Day' at Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Born-Blue-Day-Extraordinary-Autistic/dp/1416535071/sr=1-3/qid=1168440740/ref=sr_1_3/102-4613360-2394514?ie=UTF8&s=books
66 comments:
Congratulations and Good Luck with the trip and book promotion. We'll have to catch up when you get back.
Hello! Congratulations
I'm looking forward for the arrival of your book. I'll buy one copy finally.
Hi Daniel,
My copy of your book just arrived here in New Zealand via US Amazon - can't wait to start reading it. I hope you don't mind that I linked to you from my blog, thought you might like to know. Regards (and congrats on the book!)
Daniel, I saw you this morning on Good Morning America. I am the parent of a 19 year old daughter that was diagnosed with Aspergers 7 years ago. I am going to run out and buy your book, hopefully it will give me some insight on how her mind works.
Hi my name is Rachel and I just saw you on Good morning America. I am very excited and plan to read your book as soon as I can get a hold of it. Thank you.
Hello Daniel,
Your story is extremely fascinating, and I completely admire your willingness to test your abilities for the collective knowledge of the rest of us. Thank you and good luck.
I just watched you on Good Morning America. It was very interesting and informative. It gives me incentive to find out why I counted everything when I was young; every step I took, every step my horse took when I was riding...everything. Also, why I see pictures in my brain all the time. A doctor once told me I did not, so I quit talking about it. I'm familiar with Temple Grandin. I read a magazine article about her development of livestock equipment and the humane treatment of beef cattle. I'll be buying your book. Thanks!
I just heard the "Talk of the Nation" broadcast and it was very fascinating. Looking forward to reading the rest of the book. Thanks for letting the rest of us experience your world.
I just listened to your interview on NPR - Talk of the Nation.
Thank you for so freely sharing with us the 'workings' of your brain.
I am one who is fascinated by the human brain and will be buying your book.
On a personal note, I was born on the 11th day of the 9th month. Thanks to you I now visualize 11 as bright/shiny and 9 as vivid blue. What a beautiful sight! Thank you.
ANything is possible for a fellow aquarius during the month of January . What color is this month?
I just saw you on Good Morning America. I was amazed at your ability and enjoyed hearing about how you experience the world. I am in college studying occupational therapy and I was wondering if you would ever be interested in speaking to students at a university and how one could contact you?
Can't wait to read your book! I hope it says more about the language your are creating... I am a mother of an autistic boy. He calls me ema instead of mom and loves to talk his own language that only an ema can translate to regular English... Have a wonderful jorney promoting your book! I have no doubts that it will be a hit! Congratulations!!!!
mr. tammet, interestingly enough, i completely understand your 'theory' of numbers having their own unique identity. i've never experienced it, however when you explain it, it seems to make complete sense. i have had a fascination with numbers since childhood, repeating them to soothe myself, or 'collecting' them when bored, such as on a walk. it's labeled 'obsessive compulsive' behavior by some, but to me, it's only natural.
continued good luck with all you do. you are shining light where before only darkness lived. you are a wonderful and gifted being, we are all blessed to have you.
Hello Daniel,
I just finished listening to your interview on WNYC in NYC and I can't tell you how filled with admiration I am; your courage and strength of heart is such an inspiration. I think you have a lot to teach us so-called normal people about the healing and transformative power of love.
I am looking forward to purchasing and reading your book, and I wish you the best of fortune and all happiness in all of your endeavors.
Congratulations on your book. I heard your interview on NPR yesterday, and found it fascinating. I found it especially interesting that many of the symptoms and behaviours which manifest when I am acutely clinically depressed or suffering from severe anxiety were similar or identical to many of your autistic experiences.
For example, when I feel extremely anxious, I find it very calming to do long division and multiplication problems, although I prefer to work them on paper. The act of writing them down increases the soothing quality for me.
Although my own numerical skills don't manifest themselves so vividly, I find that algebraic (and on through calculus) problems do float, circle, resonate, glitter and circle in my head until they have sorted themselves into an answer. It makes it very difficult for me to show how I came up with my answer on an exam, even though my answer is correct.
I've also found that thinking in a foreign language (in my case, Russian) is very soothing, and I prefer Russian to English when I can't understand someone.
Finally, I only experience mild synesthesia when acutely depressed. For me, colours take on tones and sounds. Everything begins to vibrate at different, audible frequencies.
I wasn't ever diagnosed with Asperger's or any Autism spectrum disease, and I don't think that I can honestly say I suffer from either. I do suffer from anxiety and depression, and I have to wonder if there's something common in the brain chemistry or structure of those prone to severe depression, anxiety, and those who suffer from autism.
I also wonder, and will always wonder if perhaps the characteristics of my brain would make any children I had (it's too late now--never had any) at far greater risk for autism spectrum disorders. Could it be that people like me who seem to hover right on the edge, experiencing only some of the symptoms of autistic disorders and to a lesser degree than those who are diagnosed with same, are the ones who, if they have children by others with similar mental characteristics (If I'd married a computer programmer,for example) are most likely to have children with autism? There was an "epidemic" of autism in Silicon Valley during the dot.com bubble, after all.
I heard your great WNYC interview today and your story really resonates with me (although I don't think I have asperger's). I relate to a lot of what you said of your growing up. I look forward to reading your book. Congratulations and thank you!
Rick
Hi Daniel,
Congratulations on your book! I was driving from Los Angeles to San Francisco yesterday and caught you on the radio. I take care of an autistic boy who is 6 years old and I am very passionate about autism awareness. I was so fascinated to hear about your book and pi and everything about you! I'm going to buy your book tomorrow, I can't wait to read it! You are magnificent!
Love,
Richelle
Enjoyed your book ... couldn't put it down. Thank you for writing such an interesting account of you struggle and gift.
My mom sent me a link to an excerpt from your book through NPR radio.
So I found your book on Amazon & plan on ordering it ASAP.
I really liked what I read from the excerpt & I'm sure I'll love your book.
p.s. my favorite word is Poodle :o)
I saw a clip of the Diane Sawyer interview on Yahoo. I'm not number oriented at all ... I'm all emotion ... and what I saw in you was an incredible compassion and kindness ... almost like you'd forgiven us all for the torments you experienced, because you feel sad for us that we can't see the beauty you see, and your book is your gift to us, to try to open up the possibility of that beauty for us ... it seems so kind. Thank you.
Hello Daniel-
Congratulations on your book! I have just had my first book published as well, the title is 'Strange Son' and it is about my son who has autism and did not communicate until he was 9 years old. He is an amazing person and much smarter than any other child I know his age. He has a special facility for mathematics. I ordered your book immediately and I am really looking forward to reading it myself and also to my son Dov and his classmates. I am a self-educated lay-scientist and I have spent a good deal of time studying neuroscience and especially perception and the way the brain represents things. I did a research project studying arousal in autism with someone you probably know: V S Ramachandran at UCSD - a specialist in synethsesia. I am so looking forward to reading your book, and I wish you every success! Congratulations once again! Best wishes, Portia Iversen
www.strangeson.com
I saw an interview with you promoting the book and was intrigued by the title. Growing up we said a rhyme about about what day you were born on and Wednesday was full of woe. As a Thursday child with far to go and mother of a Friday child who is loving and giving (and has special challenges and gifts), I wonder what color you see Thursdays and Fridays? I wonder if whoever wrote that poem "saw" or "experienced" the days that way? Or perhaps Wednesday's color is different depending on the year?
Congratulations on your success!
Daniel,
I just finished reading "Born On A Blue Day."
Your book was inspirational on so many levels and you're a wonderful writer. Congratulations for a job well done, Daniel!
Hopefully, this is only your first book because I think you still have many wonderful stories to tell of your amazing life.
Regards to your family & especially to Neil. They're very special people.
Hello Daniel-
Congratulations on your book! I have just had my first book published as well, the title is 'Strange Son' and it is about my son who has autism and did not communicate until he was 9 years old. He is an amazing person and much smarter than any other child I know his age. He has a special facility for mathematics. I ordered your book immediately and I am really looking forward to reading it myself and also to my son Dov and his classmates. I am a self-educated lay-scientist and I have spent a good deal of time studying neuroscience and especially perception and the way the brain represents things. I did a research project studying arousal in autism with someone you probably know: V S Ramachandran at UCSD - a specialist in synethsesia. I am so looking forward to reading your book, and I wish you every success! Congratulations once again! Best wishes, Portia Iversen
www.strangeson.com
Daniel-- Thank you so much for writting your book, "Born on...". I just found it yesterday (I'm in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA) It was hard to put down. You have really been blessed with a very loving family. What a difference that can make!! I thank God that my dad really taught & showed us six kids to never be afraid to be different. I'll write again when I've finished your book. Thanx again bro. love, mark
I cannot tell you how much Born on a Blue Day means to me. It is so beautifully written, and it has let me see through a window into my four-year-old son's own numerical landscapes. His doctor believes he has Asperger tendencies. Numbers make him happy, and he describes them as people having a party. He is often hurt by children who don't understand his behavior. Thank you for such luminous descriptions of your experiences.
Dear Daniel,
I just finished reading your book. Thanks again very much for writing it! I had seen a little write-up in our local paper about you and your book, and was right away very intrigued. As I don't watch television, I'd never heard of you before. I thought I was going to read a book about the human mind and some of its many various manifestations (Which I did). But I didn't realize that I was also going to read one of the most inspiring love stories I've ever read! God Bless you, Bro, and keep on keepin' on. love ya, mark
Hi Daniel,
Congratultaions! I read your book and I was really impressed with your story. I am not very good with numbers, but I've had similiar social problems such as difficulty of joining in conversations and having to repeat in my mind what I say before talking to someone.
By the way, when you visualize numbers do the shape become more and more complex as the number becomes larger? Does the shape of a number have anything in common with the shape of its prime decomposition?
Hello Daniel!
I am doing a project on synesthesia for my psychology class and I wonder what types of synesthesia you have. I am drawing parallells between synesthesia and savantism (My theory is that they both are a result of a lack of filtering of information in the brain. This makes sense as it seems that several savants appear to have synesthesia).
Oh, and congratulations on your book, I'll buy it as soon as I've got a chanse.
Mr. Tammet,
I saw you on Good Morning America, ordered your book & read it the next afternoon! I am the mother of a 12 year old (severely) autistic boy who is non-verbal. Yet reading your descriptions of your childhood & adolescence has given me a glimpse into his mind. He also has a love of spinning objects and often walks in circles. I am so awed by your accomplishments and entirely grateful that you have braved the outside world to share your experiences with us. Thank you so much!
Hi, Daniel,
I'm a British ex-pat now living in Florida. My six year old son has autism: he is a wonderful gift and a source of great joy. I have just finished reading your excellent book and wanted to thank you for being willing to share your experiences: I have learned so much.
Daniel,
I can't put your book down, it's so good. Thank you for writing it.
My 11 year old son has asperger's syndrome. Your book has been an encouragement to me.
Also, you write beautifully.
I'm wondering, what number do you remind yourself of?
Regards,
Alice
North Carolina, USA
After being told about your book I immediately went out and purchased it. I was so facinated about your life and things you've had to overcome and challenge yourself with, that I finished the book within 4 hours. I really hope that you continue to do public speakings, especially in the US so I may be able to listen. Congratulations and best wishes. Cheers. -Jamie, Cromwell, CT, USA
I viewed the "60 Minutes" profile. Amazing! And I'll be certain to purchase and read "Born On A Blue Day"
Cheers!
Thank you for being ... it is a great gift your share -- more colors
Hi Daniel. Just saw you on "60 Minutes". What an amazing story. Good luck.
WOW...Daniel, I just saw a segment of 60 minutes about you. I was taken away by your incredible mind. I must say that you are an instant inspiration to me. My life has been a struggle between wrong and right, good and evil, mainly heroin VS. sobriety. I find myself feeling sorry for myself which allows me to continue to slowly kill myself while causing pain in loved ones. I was moved by your story and found inspiration in it as well. I want to thank you for sharing your life with Americans on 60 minutes. Thank You Daniel..
Sincerely,
David Hess
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania USA
Daniel --
I just saw the piece on 60 Minutes. I've been following you as I can for several years and have always wanted to thank you for your generosity. My wife has an aunt with Aspergers, and I have had several friends with autistic family members -- knowing what little I know of the situation, all I can say is that you're uncommonly generous with your time and insight into the workings of the mind. We should ALL thank you -- the insight you're providing now will outlive us all and make the lives of people like my wife's aunt more understandable in the future.
I'm headed out tomorrow (as soon as the bookstore opens) to buy your book. Factoring is my thing -- I find it to be a very reliable way to pass time and re-center myself. I have a fairly severe stutter that gets me all out of sorts socially and professionally here and there, and I must say that the pieces I've seen about you strike a chord. I will never know the joy of numbers that you do nor the difficulties of life that you do, but I certainly admire your strength, resilience, and willingness to tell your unique story. Thanks so much.
Since Daniel conceptualizes numbers as shapes and colors - I wonder how he would process the Human Genome data?
Could he "see" the relationships from a medical perspective?
Living in Mass. and being associated with several familes with Asberger and Autsim young boys and one grown young college man, I am challenged by all of their gifts...one young man drives for FED EX into Boston...yet, he does not communicate with his family but does at work ...amazing..he's also a photographer..as you said Daniel, visual abilites are paramount...God gives each one of us gifts to treaure and share..love & peace to you.
Daniel, Just viewed the "CBS 60 Minutes" program which had a segment about you. I was fascinated by your abilities. I work with children, PreSchool to 21yrs., who have autism spectrum disorder. I supervise programs for secondary students who are adolescents with Aspergers. I would be interested in meeting you and having you speak to our adolescents if you are ever in the Denver, Colorado area. Most of the students with aspergers have no problems with academic subject matter, but the peer social demands and struggles are often their greatest struggle. I would enjoy hearing from you, as would the many adolescent students with whom I interact. Sincerely, Connie, MA, CCC-SLP, Certified Speech/Language Pathologist, Autism Specialist
Saw you on US TV 60 minutes and was amazed! I worked with autistic teens at one time. I am a physician and just purchased your book. I can't wait to start reading it. Question: If colors replace numbers in your mind, does it hold true that your dreams also evoke the same phenomena? Good luck to you and you have yet another fan/friend.
I'm hoping to get your book now that's it's available over here. My oldest son has Asperger's Syndrome, and the other might as well, though his current diagnosis is sensory processing disorder (SPD). It's likely I'm an Aspie too (though I'll likely never be diagnosed) - my husband and I homeschool our boys so that they can take full advantage of their interests in their education. We saw you on 60 minutes this evening, and my oldest son was fascinated. It's too bad you live so far away - we'd love to hear you speak someday...
Thanks for being willing to share your story...
~Jennifer Buckley
Daniel, I just saw your 60 Minutes interview. I was most taken with how you see numbers -- colors, textures and shapes.. But why not? everything is multi-dimensional, so why not numbers? Do you suppose you actually see the colors, textures and shapes AS THEY SEEM TO YOU personally or as how they ARE? That is a fascinating concept, don't you think so? I wonder if anyone has ever written about this subject (ie the other attributes of numbers.) There are others who deal in numerology and different kinds of symbolism but I have not heard of other characteristics.
Anyway, good luck with your book. From what I see, it looks like a great seller...
Bruce
(bgkrider@cox.net)
Hello Daniel,
I watched you tonight on 60 Minutes, and will definitely be buying your book. Although I am not directly involved with the work, my son is the third generation of a family called Doman that has done much work with all sorts of brain injured and autistic children and adults around the world for the past several decades. My son 's company deals with a therapeutic listening program, called TLP,that might help you to be able to deal with stressful situations better. I don'tknow for sure how else it might be able to help you but there are a fair number of trained providers in England that could help you evaluate whether you could get value from it. My son's name is Alexander Doman and his website is www.advancedbrain.com/provider_search.asp
I hope you will take alook at it. You have such a wonderful gift you can share with so many people who struggle with understanding their children and with a world that needs to understand that just because someone's brain works differently does not mean that person does not have much to offer the world. Best of luck!
My comments are just for you no need to publish them but I do hope you will look into TLP.
Hi Daniel! I just watched your 60 minutes segment and feel like I already know you... and like you very much! I was wondering if you'e ever heard of the trait of high sensitivity and Highly sensitive people? I ask because I have a website called www.HighlySensitivePeople.com and I think much of it will resonate with you! I invite you to visit it and i would love to hear back form you with your comments. I know you are a very busy man especially with your new book and all, whcih i can hardly wait to read. HSPs, or Highly Sensitive persons have been referred to often as highly functioning autistic people. When it said that in crowds or around loud noises you covered or plugged your ears, that's another common coping stargagy of HSPs. So, I hope you will take just a couple of minutes and visit the highlySensitivePeople.com website and take a quick look around and see if my thinking that you are in deed an HSP is in fct the case, or not. (?) I woud truly love to get your comments! With warmest regards and my very best wishes, Jim Hallowes www.HighlySensitivePeople.com 310-390-4767 Jim@HighlySensitivePeople.com.
I also have a short sample of excerpts from a speech I recently gave on the trait of high sensitivity:
http://jimhallowes.com/HSPDemoReel.html
I hope you'll find some time to take a look.
all the best!!
Jim
Hi Daniel, I saw u last nite on 60 mins, what an insperation you are to parents like myself. I have 3 children, oldest 18yr son is gifted and no probs at all, my 8 yr old son was concieved through invetro and took 5 yrs to do it. He has pdd nos, mild austim, and my 5 yr old daughter has mild asperger,but very mild- my biggest challenge is my 8yr old son,Jovin, who is so sweet,and has such a hard time w/other children and fitting in,but is so so smart also w/numbers-and weather. He is now hooked on football but not in the traditional way (we are from chicago IL, so he is loving the BEARS sucess right now) but he has memorized all the football plays for the teams and know what they should do next to get most yards-score-etc... Its great to watch him -looks like a mini head coach already! Any way just wanted to let you know i am looking forward to reading your book, iam always reading books to better myself as a mom to help my kids be their best in "this "world-within "THEIR" world- if u know what i mean- Please keep doing what u are doing, thank you for giving yourself to the world for those to understand autism, its such a mystery and poeple who dont have it in their lives every day think it will just go away or your children will out grow it, when they will have to go on w/ it for ever but it can be a blessing too, God never makes mistakes- maybe we were all ment to be like you or my son, and me and others who dont have this are the ones that have the "special need" as they call it in our school system.- and we are missing out on so much more.
Thank you for being Gods tool and blessing in many peoples lives! Many Many Blessings on your book and travels.... Kristine Anderson Illinois USA
Hey Daniel! I saw you on 60 Minutes last night, and... hm.
This might be a bit odd, but I was hoping that you'd be kind enough to paint a picture of pi up to 3.14159265358979323 for me. You can get ahold of me by checking my profile.
Best of luck in all future endeavors!
Hi Daniel, and congratulations! Your book is now #1 at Amazon!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/books/ref=pd_ts_c_th_head/002-4202738-3674461
Daniel,
I am 18 and I live in Florida. Though I'm not quite at your level of thought, I experience much of what you've described. I'd like to talk to you. If you would like to talk to me as well, you can email me at snowboarder2580@aol.com.
More congratulations - you're #3 at The New York Times. Not bad for your first week on the charts.
HARDCOVER NONFICTION
1. THE AUDACITY OF HOPE, by Barack Obama
2. THE INNOCENT MAN, by John Grisham
3. BORN ON A BLUE DAY, by Daniel Tammet
Hi Daniel,
Congratulations on the book release.
I wonder if the way you do maths can be taught to young kids.
By the way, you can see that long links such as the one in your post linking to Amazon, break off the design of your blog. Try using the tinyurl service instead at http://www.tinyurl.com
Best,
Yash
Thank you for your generous demonstrations of intellect on 60 minutes - I am fascinated by the image that you drew for pi and wonder if you have drawn one for the golden section? I don't know how to find out if you do it other than checking in here from time to time - thank you, again and I look forward to seeing more about what thinks!
I've seen a few of your interviews. Very captivating. I look forward to picking up a copy of your memoir, as you've a most fascinating story to tell. And, by all accounts, you've the skill to tell the tale with poetic prose and extraordinary insight.
I have not yet read your book, but just saw your interview on 60 minutes. How brilliant. I am curious to know and don't like the idea of anyone to be a performing seal, so if you cannot answer for these or other personal reasons, I completely understand...
What does 80 look like? Is it beautiful? I would think that it would be.
Cheers!
Kelly_K
My 22 yr. old son has high-functioning autism and has struggled with it. He has many exceptional skills and talents-languages and music. He read your book and said..."I didn't know other people saw colors with letters or numbers..I thought I was the only one!" He says you put into words many things he has felt, but has been unable to say. Thanks for making him feel more "normal."
Iowa mom
Hello Daniel, I just finished listening to your book (purchased and downloaded from Audible.com). It was amazing, you are amazing! You offer so much more to the story than just your incredible abilities as an autistic savant – your story is an inspirational one than encompasses love of family, friends and Neil. I'm not sure what I'm more impressed with in the story - your amazing abilities or your genuine appreciation of those who have helped you in your life. Not many authors take as much time and care to acknowledge those that have helped them as you have, and thus, your story brings more to the table than anticipated. Your insight into how your mind works was also helpful to me to understand myself better than any self help book available.
I am an avid reader of biographies and memoirs, non fiction and fiction (sometimes!) On the average I read 3 books a week. This is the first time I have written to an author, however, to tell them how much their words have meant to me. Your story and how you wrote it is truly exceptional. I am especially pleased to have been the first person to rate your book on Audible.com. I of course gave it five stars. Your contributions to society and science are something you should be thanked for, repeatedly.
The world is truly blessed to have you.
Hi Daniel, just read you book as did my husband and son. I was totally inspired by your courage! I have a daughter with autism and she seems to be affected in similar ways. You have given us all so much hope for what we beleived was going to be a bleak future.I wanted to ask you if you have ever experimented with diet or supplements or any biological intervention. Thanks so very much for an awesome book!!!!
I read and loved your book. I am a special education paraprofessional in Illinois. I work with a 7 year old high functioning autisic child. He is remarkable. He can remember dates and days that most of us would have forgotten after we hear them the first time. After reading your book it made me aware of a lot of things to help him. I talk to him in more simple terms for him to understand me now realizing that using to many words to ask him questions confuses him. I also now know that sometimes when I get answers like OK, he is really just answering me and not understanding me. So I am very careful to make sure he does understand what I am saying to him. He is in first grade and I have high hopes to help him to function in a social manner fitted to his needs. If you of all people have any suggestions for my little guy, Please help me out. I truly admire you and think you have so much to offer our younger generation to help them grow.
Hi Daniel.
My favourite number is 2 because it is both square, binary (sort of) and indivisible by other numbers than itself and 1. I believe that the All is binary and I was born on sunday 25th of october 1953. A nice number, if you ask me :-) Please look into the qualities of the numbers 1 and 2. I believe they might hold some sort of random field between them. Have a very nice life and all ...
Hi Daniel,
I am the mother of an 8 year old boy with asperger's syndrome, who even now is being bullied in school for being "different". He also has a very high IQ, having learned to read at 2-1/2 years of age, but has difficulty in social settings. You give us hope. Will be buying your book to better understand my son, and hopefully, help him achieve his fullest potential. You have shown us a face of asperger's most do not see...that people with this condition are capable, wonderful, and fascinating individuals, made all the more special by what they can achieve, if only given the chance.
Ana S.
Hi Daniel:
Just finished your book and enjoyed it. I felt I learned a great deal from your story. I was wondering if you are familiar with Oliver Sacks' story "Anthropologist on Mars" about the Asperger's PhD Temple Grandin? And if you have read the autobiography of hers titled "Emergence" that Sacks mentions? I would be interested in your detailed comments on these writings, if they are familiar to you.
Best wishes,
Michael
(San Francisco Bay Area)
I have almost completed the book. Thank you SO much for your insight. I too have two boys on the autism spectrum, one of which is very good with numbers and calendar counting. Thanks for giving me a peak into your world. I know it will help our family in the years to come.
You are a wonderful success! I hope you know how helpful you are to parents of children on the autism spectrum.
God Bless you and your partner.
Daniel, my husband and I just finished reading your book and were very touched by it. I find your courage in moving through your obstacles very inspiring, and I also think you have been very lucky in finding so many supportive people to stand behind you. I do not have Asperger's, though I think my younger brother does. However, I can relate to a lot of the ways you see the world - for instance, having strong visual associations, needing everything very well-thought-out and secure, etc. I have a theory that one of the problems with autism is that the person is unable to filter or prioritize all the input that floods in, so it's overwhelming - like being in noisy, unstructured environments. You should look at the latest New Scientist - it has a couple of articles in it relating to autism and savants.
By the way, we heard Temple Grandin speak at the Consciousness conference in Tucson Arizona last year, and it was quite fascinating. The conference usually has several talks devoted to synesthesia - actually, I think you should be on one of their programs, if you haven't already.
Thanks so much, Judy
Daniel,
I am reading your book and enjoying it very much. Your childhood is so much like my daughter's. She is 26, AS, and had seizures for 18 years (uncontrolled, Temporal Lobe, secondarily generalized). She has been seizure-free for 6 years but is still on medication. How long did you have seizures and how long were you on medication?
Karen G.
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