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The Nature of Autism
Deciphering Autism is an authoritative and exhaustive exploration of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Why was this an important book for you to write?
As a parent of two autistic adults and a clinical practitioner I have been able to view autism from two perspectives for a very long time. At times suppositions and research conclusions on the nature of autism didn’t line up for me – largely because not enough is known about how the normal brain works to describe the nature of autism. My late wife and I home schooled our two autistic children and on her passing she challenged me to write a book combining science and experience in a way that explains the “what” and “why” of this disorder.
What research did you undertake to write this book?
I researched the book from every angle; including neurobiology, psychology, cognition, emotional development and language development to put the pieces of this syndrome together in a meaningful way. The references in the book are numerous and might be a bit tedious for the typical reader but I wanted to leave no stone un-turned.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
There are several things I wanted to convey in this book that I consider of paramount importance, One is that the diagnostic picture of autism has become blurred, leaving the more severely afflicted with no voice, Secondly, there is a hidden intelligence within autism that leads to some rather brilliant sensory adaptations – even though they appear odd to others. Third, the mind is regulated by more than neurons and the autistic mind lacks sufficient regulation due to a deficiency in rhythmic, coordinated neural activity in the brain that might one day be remediated through non-invasive technological methods
What is a common misconception you feel people have about Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Finally, a common misperception of autistic people is that they lack a capacity for social interest and bonding. I argue that this is due to non-fluid perceptions rather than detachment and that by employing the right methods bonding, love and attachment become real possibilities for autistic individuals.
Look A Bit Deeper
What was the idea, or spark, that first set off the need to write Bundy: A Clinical Discussion of The Perfect Storm?
I read several books and viewed movies devoted to Bundy’s life and actions and felt none of those sources explained sufficiently why he turned out to be a serial killer. All the experiences he had – being illegitimate being rejected by a woman, having a volatile grandfather have occurred with many people yet most did not commit murder let alone kill over thirty women and young girls. I wanted to take a step back, review child development per se in the first few chapters and discuss how children turn out normally = then back track to look at Bundy’s life as a child. Simply saying he had a need for control. or lacked a conscience were not enough of an explanation. I tried to look a bit deeper into the human psyche in presenting a theory.
How much research did you undertake for this book, and how much time did it take to put it all together?
I did a good deal of research, including, articles, books, and even cases not attributed to Bundy (one of which here in New Hampshire back in the late 70s. Most of the conclusions derived from my experience as a clinical practitioner, particularly in working with antisocial personalities
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The most central idea conveyed in the book is that simple cause and effect explanations of psychopathy – for example detachment experiences, trauma, neglect or abuse cannot explain the motives of a serial killer. Another variable is needed as a catalyst of such actions. My conclusion was (basically) that all actions, motives and emotional dispositions emanate from self-perceptions. In the final analysis what we do, feel and think pivots off of how we see ourselves. When the self is ill-defined in the extreme, or so in conflict with how others react to us it alows for any number of imprinted experiences and reactions and throughout life the central tasks will consist of attempts to define, fortify and enhance self perceptions. Ultimately Bundy had no identity he was a blank slate requiring constant self definition. That in turn required such a self focus as to block put outside influence. And his self confusion was so extreme that whenever it was threatened (by females with status and an ostensible happy existence -therefore not “eligible” for domination by Bundy he had to erase them from the blackboard. As long as they lived he could not achieve self-resolution.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
I believe many readers out there are fascinated with true crime stories, particularly people who cannot fathom how a man so apparently normal could (or needed to) murder females for purposes of self definition. I hope some of them plug into this book and find it interesting. If they take away the fact that true anchor point of both normalcy and pathology is the self I would have sucessfully made my point.
Ted Bundy was perhaps the most notorious serial killer in American history, whose savagery extended to young women in their prime and children not even out of middle school. While he was interviewed and evaluated after being captured there are still questions about how a man seemingly blessed with looks, intelligence and social access could descend to the depths of depravity, and do so while living an apparently normal life. Those closest to him did not recognize his brutal capabilities. Yet whIle he was described as a good son, loving brother and dutiful student by family and friends. it was becoming clear, beginning in his toddler years, that a hatred for females was being cultivated and that it would fester into a life long obsession with sex and death. This book delves into the external life and internal mind of Bundy in an attempt to provide psychological and predictive closure.
Deciphering Autism: A Discussion- of Neurobiology, Adaptation and Experience
Deciphering Autism by Robert DePaolo is an authoritative and exhaustive exploration of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This book ventures into the multifaceted nuances of ASD, investigating its origins, manifestations, and potential treatment options. DePaolo masterfully navigates through the historical and societal backdrop of autism, while simultaneously providing an updated scientific perspective on the interplay of genetic and environmental factors in ASD development.
DePaolo’s quest to demystify autism leads to a lucid explanation of the neurological and cognitive mechanisms underpinning the disorder. His analysis of the hurdles encountered by individuals with ASD—especially in social interaction and communication—is particularly enlightening. His evaluation of diverse interventions and treatments underscores the critical need for personalized approaches.
Deciphering Autism is a compassionate and illuminating guide, offering invaluable insights for individuals with ASD, their families, and caregivers. The empathetic discourse within this book marks a notable departure from traditional resources that often focus primarily on ‘managing’ individuals with ASD. DePaolo’s narrative, in contrast, is distinctively shaped by the lived experiences of those with ASD.
The author’s emphasis on the vital necessity for tailored treatment strategies is particularly praiseworthy. He firmly advocates that ASD, far from being a monolithic condition, necessitates the consideration of each individual’s unique requirements, thereby rejecting a generalized, one-size-fits-all approach.
DePaolo’s comprehensive examination of ASD occasionally leads to scientific explanations that may come across as technical to the non-specialist reader. While this detailed approach might not be a stumbling block for those well-versed in the subject, readers seeking a basic understanding of ASD might find it somewhat daunting.
Deciphering Autism is an exceptional and powerful resource on ASD. As such, I recommend this book to anyone seeking an in-depth understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
LITERARY TITAN 