Robert DePaolo wrote this book from three perspectives. First, to explain causative elements of autism. Second, to discuss how the brain functions in both normal and abnormal circumstances — because without an understanding of how the brain works, it is impossible to understand autism. Third, to address the question of why autistic individuals act, feel, and perceive in unique ways, based on research findings and observations. To augment these perspectives, real life behavior patterns are presented, along with interpretations of that behavior - with a focus on the often overlooked hidden intelligence of autistic people.
Robert has written many articles on education, science, religion, politics, and psychology, as well as several other books. This book was written to provide a comprehensive understanding of autism because oftentimes there is a wide gap between research, educational methods, and the actual experience of parents and educators in dealing with their autistic child’s behavior. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of autism—which is addressed in this book—is that autism is not simply a disorder but a combination of neurobehavioral factors and adaptations by autistic individuals to their tendencies and difficulties. In reading this book, parents and educators will hopefully gain a further understanding, not only of what autism is, but why (in often brilliant but unusual ways) autistic people act, perceive, and feel their way through life experiences.