Iria Cardoso asked A.G. Riddle:

Hello. I just finished your book, "The Atlantis Gene". It's amazing, really well written and fast paced. And it has become one of my favourites, mainly because of the myth you picked to tell this story, Atlantis (one of my favourites of Ancient History). However I have two questions: one, why choose this myth in particular?; two: why choose Autism for the research Kate is developing? Thank you in advance.

A.G. Riddle Hi Iria,

Thanks for reading and for your note.

I've always had a deep fascination with Atlantis and the myth of an advanced civilization that collapsed quickly. I think that story and its lessons are more relevant than ever in the times in which we live.

Years ago, I did a great deal of work (in software development) for autism related programs at the University of North Carolina and several non-profits. I developed a life-long interest in it and a desire to raise awareness. When I originally wrote The Atlantis Gene, the central character (Kate Warner) is searching for a cure for autism. I have recently re-written the book to change her focus to be a new therapy for autism (not a cure). My views, like those of organizations like Autism Speaks, have evolved over the years to see autism not as a condition that must be cured, but simply another way a mind works that should be understood and appreciated.

Thanks again for the question.

- Gerry

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