The Rosie Result (Don Tillman, #3)

by Graeme Simsion

In the adult world, an uneven distribution of abilities is more valuable than mediocrity at everything. It is irrelevant to me whether or not my doctor is adept at hitting a ball with a stick—or finding her way to work without looking at street signs—but I would like her to be as proficient as possible in the practice of medicine. Conversely, at school, being other than unobtrusively average in every area (with the exception of sports) is a distinct disadvantage.

When men are the majority, they make the rules; when they’re a minority they get special treatment.”

I consider tribalism one of the worst aspects of human behavior. A major contributor to confirmation bias, lack of innovation in public policy, war

“On the one hand, I think that teachers are in a wonderful position to notice if something is going on, and we absolutely have to listen and respect their experience and observations. But they’re not qualified to diagnose autism, let alone the full range of disorders that it might be mistaken for.”

I had learned, reluctantly and over many years, that rational argument seldom overcame irrational resistance.

It’s better to learn from people who have had to work hard to achieve their skills, rather than the naturally talented.”

I had observed that neurotypicals criticized autistic people for lacking empathy—towards them—but seldom made any effort to improve their own empathy towards autistic people.

None of us is expert in all situations. It is a sign of intelligence to recognize our limitations and of maturity to seek help when required. The school had zero problem with him being coached in the physical aspects of the cross-country run but apparently would have thought him deficient if he had sought help with the psychological component.