The Autistic Brain

Thinking Across the Spectrum

By: Temple Grandin, Richard Panek

Narrated by: Andrea Gallo

A cutting-edge account of the latest science of autism, from the best-selling author and advocate

When Temple Grandin was born in 1947, autism had only just been named. Today it is more prevalent than ever, with one in 88 children diagnosed on the spectrum. And our thinking about it has undergone a transformation in her lifetime: Autism studies have moved from the realm of psychology to neurology and genetics, and there is far more hope today than ever before thanks to groundbreaking new research into causes and treatments. Now Temple Grandin reports from the forefront of autism science, bringing her singular perspective to a thrilling journey into the heart of the autism revolution.

Weaving her own experience with remarkable new discoveries, Grandin introduces the neuroimaging advances and genetic research that link brain science to behavior, even sharing her own brain scan to show us which anomalies might explain common symptoms. We meet the scientists and self-advocates who are exploring innovative theories of what causes autism and how we can diagnose and best treat it. Grandin also highlights long-ignored sensory problems and the transformative effects we can have by treating autism symptom by symptom, rather than with an umbrella diagnosis. Most exciting, she argues that raising and educating kids on the spectrum isn’t just a matter of focusing on their weaknesses; in the science that reveals their long-overlooked strengths she shows us new ways to foster their unique contributions.

From the “aspies” in Silicon Valley to the five-year-old without language, Grandin understands the true meaning of the word spectrum. The Autistic Brain is essential reading from the most respected and beloved voices in the field.

The amazing opportunities for autistic

I liked the overall commitment to the autistic individual to get a more realistic view of their potential.

Ways of thinking

The description of different ways the autistic brain this in is was mind blowing, I,especially appreciated her suggestions at the end about socializing a person with autism to be a useful part of society. this applies to Neuro typical people as well!

things I have never known or considered.

In depth first person account of autism in a way that anyone can understand.

Innovative and enlightening!!!

I found this book incredibly helpful on the inside of the autistic brain. It’s fascinating to hear their inner workings of the autistic brain and how it lights up on a brain scan shedding light on the wise of the behaviors in our autistic children.
I am a huge fan and have been for many years , Temple’s words encourage and open doors to the possibilities instead of the closed doors the rest of the world says about children with ASD.
Temple has given me so much hope for my children and I’m excited to see who they become 😊

Covered a lot of recent research on autism and the brain as promised!

I enjoyed this book and it added to my professional understanding of what autism looks like and how it affects each person in a more scientific manner as opposed to the behavioral approach Im used to. It didnt make for the most riveting audio listen, with some of the terms and studies being lost in this way for me. As someone with a neurological disorder however who really struggles with reading longer texts, this is an unfortunate limitation for me and I remain happy I listened to the book even if it may work better in written form for most!