A blog of a writer with high-functioning autistic savant syndrome
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Feature in Today's New York Times
There's a great article about my home and day-to-day life in today's New York Times's 'Home & Garden' section, including photos of my house and cat! You can see it online at: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/15/garden/15savant.html
9 comments:
Anonymous
said...
You are an inspirational man. I am happy you found love with Neil, and that you can get along in this crazy fast paced world we live in. My son (15)is going through a difficult time right now; and after reading your book I know there is hope for him.
Thank you for being you! Melissa Mom of six (with twins)
Hi, That is a great article about you and your house - thank you so much for sharing. It was serendipitous to see your interview on 60 Minutes. My late first partner used to call me a Demon Dialer because I could remember people's telephone numbers at one look. I don't identify with numbers probably like you, but I do see the number 3 sometimes as being with a sly smile, while 5 can be associated with a used car salesman in certain contexts. My current partner likens me to the character "Rose" on The Golden Girls (American TV show from the 1980s), so I won't continue to blather. But many many thanks, you would not really understand how you've enabled me again. Jeffrey Dangermond
That was a beautiful story. I was wondering, is there any special significance to you for the number of digits of pi - 22,514 - you memorized? Your cat is so cute!
I enjoyed your article and pictures very much! Especially as I'm not owning a TV at the time so I missed your interviews. I've ordered your book and look forward to reading it. I'm really proud of the role modeling you are providing and the perseverence and open mindedness you have shown to the beauty of the universe.
My wife and I, OLD social workers, are enjoying reading your book aloud to each other. Your story is truly an inspiring one from several points of view. We are so impressed with you. Milt
Thank you for allowing scientists to better understand the brain through your experiences. The "Brainman" movie was extremely interesting and informative as well as the Times article. I, too, associate numbers with colors and pictures... at least I do with digits. Eight for me is red, not blue (seven is blue). Nine is black and has a large, fatherly presence. I have also always seen the calendar visually as a tilted wheel; it has a very definite position in my mental space and doesn't move. On the contrary, as time passes, I move around it, and my perspective changes accordingly. It's a bit discerning to learn that these visual associations aren't shared by everyone - I just became an elementary school teacher and had been hoping to use such imagery in lessons. No wonder my fifth graders looked at me like I was insane when I described my way to think of a year passing!
Sir, I ordered your book when I first heard that it was released in the U.S. Incredibly moving. My son has Aspergers. So many times as I read your book, I could see my Cole emerging from the pages. Like you, he doesn't tolerate noises or crowds. We homeschool him. He speaks very little, though this is partially due to a cleft of the soft tissue palette.
Thank you for your bravery. I realize that every case of Aspergers is unique, and that you are truly special among these special people. Thank you for sharing so much of your life, and Neal's with the rest of the world. It is truly remarkable to find a love such as that which you seem to share with your partner.
9 comments:
You are an inspirational man. I am happy you found love with Neil, and that you can get along in this crazy fast paced world we live in. My son (15)is going through a difficult time right now; and after reading your book I know there is hope for him.
Thank you for being you!
Melissa
Mom of six (with twins)
Hi,
That is a great article about you and your house - thank you so much for sharing. It was serendipitous to see your interview on 60 Minutes. My late first partner used to call me a Demon Dialer because I could remember people's telephone numbers at one look. I don't identify with numbers probably like you, but I do see the number 3 sometimes as being with a sly smile, while 5 can be associated with a used car salesman in certain contexts.
My current partner likens me to the character "Rose" on The Golden Girls (American TV show from the 1980s), so I won't continue to blather. But many many thanks, you would not really understand how you've enabled me again.
Jeffrey Dangermond
That was a beautiful story. I was wondering, is there any special significance to you for the number of digits of pi - 22,514 - you memorized? Your cat is so cute!
I enjoyed your article and pictures very much! Especially as I'm not owning a TV at the time so I missed your interviews. I've ordered your book and look forward to reading it. I'm really proud of the role modeling you are providing and the perseverence and open mindedness you have shown to the beauty of the universe.
All the best to you and yours.
Yours in Christ.
Now that IS fame!! Congrats!
I liked Moomin. She looks happy in your house. And more congratulations for all your achievements.
By the way your book was wonderful.
My wife and I, OLD social workers, are enjoying reading your book aloud to each other. Your story is truly an inspiring one from several points of view. We are so impressed with you. Milt
Thank you for allowing scientists to better understand the brain through your experiences. The "Brainman" movie was extremely interesting and informative as well as the Times article. I, too, associate numbers with colors and pictures... at least I do with digits. Eight for me is red, not blue (seven is blue). Nine is black and has a large, fatherly presence. I have also always seen the calendar visually as a tilted wheel; it has a very definite position in my mental space and doesn't move. On the contrary, as time passes, I move around it, and my perspective changes accordingly. It's a bit discerning to learn that these visual associations aren't shared by everyone - I just became an elementary school teacher and had been hoping to use such imagery in lessons. No wonder my fifth graders looked at me like I was insane when I described my way to think of a year passing!
Sir,
I ordered your book when I first heard that it was released in the U.S. Incredibly moving. My son has Aspergers. So many times as I read your book, I could see my Cole emerging from the pages. Like you, he doesn't tolerate noises or crowds. We homeschool him. He speaks very little, though this is partially due to a cleft of the soft tissue palette.
Thank you for your bravery. I realize that every case of Aspergers is unique, and that you are truly special among these special people. Thank you for sharing so much of your life, and Neal's with the rest of the world. It is truly remarkable to find a love such as that which you seem to share with your partner.
Wishing you success in all that you do.
Carl Young
Bismarck, ND, USA
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