The Autistic Brain: Helping Different Kinds of Minds Succeed

Summary:
An indepth view of neuroimaging and genetic research, their link to behavior of those both neurotypical and autistic, and how to help those on the autism spectrum better succeed in life.

Is it insightful?  5 Stars 
Deep analysis of how the brains of neurotypical and those on the autism spectrum differ. Book examines cause-effect relationships such as how Grandin’s elongated left ventricle extends into her parietal cortex, which is associated with working memory, which explains her difficulty with short-term memory.

Is it creative?   5 Stars
Great use of stories about both Grandin and others she knows in the autism arena. The stories make for an easier understanding of some very difficult medical and technical concepts. Also very clever use of analogies, such as how Grandin describes parts of the brain using terms like CEO, VPs, and workers.

Is the well written? 5 Stars
Read in about five hours, just because there is so much technical and medical information to absorb. Great balance of facts and data with stories and examples using clear language. Only minor ding is that chapter headings aren’t hyperlinked back to the table of contents.

Is it a page turner? 5 Stars
Great progression of understanding the brain from a physical perspective and how it manifests into behaviors and social issues/stigmas surrounding autism. Grandin’s writing voice is well heard throughout the book, making it almost as if she were sitting with the reader talking about the book.

Overall Rating:  5 Stars