Not Even Wrong discussion

I'm fascinated by books about people with Asperger's and Autism. But I don't actually know anybody with a diagnosis, so I don't know how to evaluate the accuracy or the helpfulness or anything else about them.

This one seems to reflect Paul's families particular challenges well, and to help the reader understand just how broad the spectrum is and therefore how difficult it is to develop strategies to help.... but then again Collins may have, conceivably, taken liberties with his son's stories for the sake of the whole book. I'm not suggesting he is - I'm just saying that I've no way of telling.

So, my main question is, how authentic do you think it is? Is it one of the first books you'd recommend to someone just learning of a diagnosis (say, for example, an aunt or grandfather)? What other thoughts do you want to share with the goodreads community?

ive met paul, and we talked about most of what you're asking. paul admits he took some liberties with the book, because he could, and in some instances, because people asked to be written out of it. what i came away with more than anything is that paul and his wife knew, but they didnt want to admit it [implied] partially because paul has asperger's himself, and didnt want to admit his son had it too.

being the book isnt straight forward, and it bounces back and forth between the author's compulsive researching -- he originally wanted to write about peter the wild boy -- it should probably be seen as more anthropological than "supportive" but i suppose people can find comfort in what they wish to.

Oh, good things to know - thank you so much for sharing!