The Autistic Brain: Thinking Across the Spectrum - October 2014

[Lynn, Moderator]

Nonfiction Winner



Book Summary
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.

[Lynn, Moderator]

A worthy winner of the Nonfiction Category?

Have you read any of the other books in the category?
https://www.goodreads.com/choiceaward...

[ally ¯\(ツ)/¯]

This isn't usually a category I have much interest in. I read Chuck Klosterman's I Wear the Black Hat: Grappling With Villains and even though I think he's a brilliant writer, I found that book boring.
If I was to pick up any of the nominated books, It would probably be Bad Pharma or Detroit. It's unlikely that will happen though. I tend to stay in my SciFi/Fantasy/Horror world.

[ally ¯\(ツ)/¯]

Also, I should mention I prefer my Non Fiction in tv documentary form, not literary. I LOVE DAVID SUZUKI'S "The Nature of Things", but it's unlikely I would ever read a book by him.
When it comes to the non fiction world, I need imagery to stay interested.

Anyone else like that?

[Valerie]

I have to admit that I am struggling to find the motivation to read this one. I am not opposed to non-fiction, but the topic does not hold much interest for me.

I have not read any of the other nominees, but What the Dog Saw and Other Adventures has been on my list since before its release. I LOVE Malcolm Gladwell and have read most of his books.

I also am very interested in reading Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal. I have only been holding off because it keeps coming up as a potential read for my in-person book club and I want it to be fresh if we choose it.

Maybe I'll see how everyone else likes this one to decide if I will read it or not.

[Jojo]

I'm going to try and read this one. Autism is also a subject that interests me and has affected my life, so the subject does make me want to read it. Now I just need to squeeze it in to my ever growing list of books for October!

[Lynn, Moderator]

Joanne!

[Jojo]

Lynn!!!

[Lynn, Moderator]

I thought you didn't like us anymore, I was very sad ::sobs::

But you are here! To brighten up our lives!! I am now happy!!!

;o)

[Jojo]

I was trying to sneak back in quietly!

Of course I still like you all. But life got..hmmm...interesting! You saw a chunk of it of Facebook and there was other stuff I didn't post BUT now I'm working on getting back to my online and real world stuff!

[Jojo]

Lynn...since it's been a while, what are the guidelines for the discussion? I figure there won't be spoilers as such, but I figured I'd check in!

[Lynn, Moderator]

Any spoilers should be put behind a spoiler tag unless there's been an announcement to say open to spoilers (which I usually put in about half way through the reading schedule.

As you said, I figured that wouldn't be spoilers as such for this book so feel free to talk about whatever.

[Jojo]

Thanks! Now I just have to wait for the library to have a copy for me.

[Janina]

I've just finished the book and found it quite interesting. Autism isn't one of the topics I am wildly interested in, but I appreciated the scientific overview and the more personal viewpoint. Quite enlightening.

I haven't read any of the other books .. the only non-fiction books I tend to read deal with either raising children or epidemiology/infectious diseases. I do have American Savage on my to-read list though ...

[Lynn, Moderator]

I'm getting the impression that a lot our members are like me and don't really read non-fiction.

Non-fiction for me feels too much like education (not that learning new things is a bad thing but I mean if feels more like being back at school) and I read to be carried away into another world.

Anyone else out there planning to read it?

[Claire]

I mostly read non-fiction in between fiction books. Ususally one chapter between each fiction book I read. Or alternating between the fiction and non-fiction if I'm struggling with the fiction one but don't want to give up.

With fiction unless it is something that I really don't like the sound of I will give it a go but with non-fiction it has to be something I'm really interested in.

[Kristie, Moderator]

Lynn wrote: "I'm getting the impression that a lot our members are like me and don't really read non-fiction.

Non-fiction for me feels too much like education (not that learning new things is a bad thing but ..."

I don't read nonfiction that often. Usually, I think it sounds good, but when I read it it doesn't hold my attention very well. Though, I have read a couple that I have really enjoyed.

I'm not reading this one this month. I just don't have time with my new job to try to squeeze it in. I will say that my degree is in mental health counseling and I have worked with children, teens, and young adults on the spectrum, so it is not a new topic for me. I saw Temple's movie and it was interesting. She's an amazing and talented person. It's too bad that not everyone finds their niche.

[Ellen]

I just finished the book. I found it very fascinating (the human brain is so awesome). I love Dr. Grandin. She's an inspiration to everyone, autistic and non-autistic.