Neha

Neha asked Graeme Simsion:

Hello Graeme, I simply loved both your books. (I'm yet to finish the second one). I like to believe that Don doesn't really have Asperger's Syndrome, but is just odd and very close to such persons behaviorally. How did you intend him to be? My second question is, do you know someone like Don who inspired the character? I want to know how you were able to paint the character of someone like Don so vividly.

Graeme Simsion Thank you! I didn't study Asperger's / autism before I wrote the books, and instead drew on friends and colleagues I'd met working and studying in science and technology. Most were too old to have had a diagnosis as children, and (to my knowledge) had not sought one as adults. But experts who've read the book say “Don has Asperger's" and the Asperger's community has largely embraced Don as one of their own.

More Answered Questions

Goodreads

Goodreads asked Graeme Simsion:

How do you get inspired to write?

Karen Sturges

Karen Sturges asked Graeme Simsion:

Hi Graeme, I know you won't remember me from data modeling days but I was just delighted to discover you had written a book, and then another! I really enjoyed them both. Wondering what motivated you to write these? They are so unique, quirky and touching!

Mardy

Mardy asked Graeme Simsion:

I was shocked when I read some of the reviews that said you were making light of serious conditions such as Asperger's or Autism Spectrum. Because I did not equate Don's condition with any specifically identifiable condition but more or less like any guy bumbling through life and love doing the best with what they have to work with. Did the book ever say what it was?

All answers from Graeme Simsion…

5,913 followers

To ask Graeme Simsion a question, please sign up.

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions