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Asperger's Syndrome and Gorillas

Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2004 10:11 am
by msbee
I just read a fascinating book, which I wanted to share with you because I know some of you have Asperger's Syndrome, and it has been a topic of discussion here.
Perhaps you are already familiar with the book. I stumbled on it by accident.
The book is titled Songs of the Gorilla Nation: My Journey through Autism
written by Dawn Prince-Hughes Ph.D
Dr. Prince-HUghes is a Professor of Anthropology and has done extensive work with captive gorillas. She was dignosed late in life (36 years old) with Asperger's Syndrome.
The story is a fascinating tale of discovering and understanding herself through the observations of gorillas. She has used much of what she learned about gorilla behavior to help her function better in the human world.
The book is interesting from both the aspects of autistic behavior and gorilla behavior, and the many paralllels. By understanding and observing gorilla behavior, she understood her own behavior better.
I highly recommend this book to everyone. It is an easy read and is full of so much wonderful heart warming information.

Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 3:18 am
by ColdFront77
I am the one that posted two threads on Asperger's Syndrome. I posted a second, because I was unable to fine the first. There were one or two additional ones over the last several months, as well.

Thank you for the iinformation, Barbara. :)

Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 8:09 am
by Skywatch_NC
I'm not sure if her kind of autism is actually Asperger's but Temple Grandin is another very interesting individual whom I've read about and her career of helping improve the ways livestock is managed and treated.

http://www.grandin.com/

Eric

Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 12:18 pm
by msbee
Tom
If you get a chance to pick up the book, let me know what you think of it
Barbara

Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 8:15 pm
by ColdFront77
Skywatch_NC wrote:I'm not sure if her kind of autism is actually Asperger's but Temple Grandin is another very interesting individual whom I've read about and her career of helping improve the ways livestock is managed and treated.

http://www.grandin.com/

Eric

I have read a bit about Temple Grandin, as well. I believe she does have Asperger's Syndrome.