Born On A Blue Day: Inside the Extraordinary Mind of an Autistic Savant

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The title of this autobiography is literal, as is every expression in the book; there is no figurative language. Anecdotes are used to explain thi... (show more)

The title of this autobiography is literal, as is every expression in the book; there is no figurative language. Anecdotes are used to explain things, but there is a sense that this is accidental. The timeline is completely linear. As a result, this book reads as though it was written by a clever child.

But the result is compelling because Daniel Tammet has a rare combination of Asperger’s and synaesthesia. Also known as savant syndrome, the latter condition means that he sees every number as a unique combination of colour, shape, texture and emotion. As a result, he has incredible calculating and learning powers in numerical sequences and languages. This, of itself, would be interesting enough. What is fascinating is that he has, to a large extent, been able to overcome Asperger’s by using his synaesthesia to learn how to empathise: when someone says they are upset, for example, he has taught himself to picture the number six, a number which he sees, and feels, as small, dark and lonely.

Daniel came to the public eye in 2003 when he raised money for an epilepsy charity by reciting pi to over twenty thousand places. The Chapter in which he describes this feat is as compelling as any recollections of great sporting achievements. Subsequently, he was the subject of a fly-on-the-wall documentary, part of which included a successful challenge to learn Icelandic in one week. During this chapter, we see that he has also learned to overcome many of the insecurities that Asperger’s brings. Indeed, by appearing on national television, he has gone further than many people without this condition.

The book also raises public policy issues: only 12% of those with Asperger’s, or high functioning autism, are in employment. And yet by definition they have many positive work qualities including reliability, honesty, and attention to detail.

Daniel does work: he runs his on-line business, providing language learning material. He has also volunteered himself as a guinea pig for scientists studying the human brain. Reading about his early childhood, his progress is remarkable, and towards the end it is clear that he is beginning to understand abstract concepts. His next book, I am sure, will have a title which is figurative. (show less)

 

 

by Moray Barclay

No, it's a flop!

Daniel has done an excellent job of adjusting to the world. I am interested in his language courses, are they really different than others. The b... (show more)

Daniel has done an excellent job of adjusting to the world. I am interested in his language courses, are they really different than others. The book was decent. I checked it out of the library because I liked the cover. (show less)

 

 

by Althea McRae

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  This is the breakthrough autobiography of a young Englishman (born 1979) who has both high-functioning autism and Asperger's Syndrome, and who has become a neuroscientific wonder, for his phenomenal mathematical and lingustic memory and his ability to communicate his highly developed synaesthesia, memory and communication methodology. It tells the story of his childhood, family, illness with epilepsy as an infant, his difficult school and social life, and his eventual discovery by neurologist... (show more)

  This is the breakthrough autobiography of a young Englishman (born 1979) who has both high-functioning autism and Asperger's Syndrome, and who has become a neuroscientific wonder, for his phenomenal mathematical and lingustic memory and his ability to communicate his highly developed synaesthesia, memory and communication methodology. It tells the story of his childhood, family, illness with epilepsy as an infant, his difficult school and social life, and his eventual discovery by neurologists. From such a complicated background he emerges as an engaging and unique individual who has taken the opportunity to travel widely (Lithuania, Iceland, USA), to settle into a permanent and loving relationship, to participate in documentaries and talk shows, and to make a critical contribution to the scientific and medical understanding of people with autistic, savant and similar conditions. I would have liked a bibliography and website links as an appendix to complete this book, but I certainly relate strongly to his situation and his descriptions of how his memory operates, as I have had a highly developed memory and grasp of language since the age of 3, am somewhat synaesthetic and could well have a level Asperger's syndrome myself. (show less)

   

   

  by Hamish Danks Brown on May 17, 2009 at 01:00AM

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  This was a fascinating portrait of the author. I found myself with three main things on my mind while I read it. First, it was very interesting to see how Tammet's mind works and views numbers in such a different way from me, and I assume from most people. Second, I enjoyed seeing parallels with Alaina--she even went through a phase of collecting junk mail flyers just like Tammet! I was mixed about how hopeful it made me though--clearly the author's incredible facility with language has allow... (show more)

  This was a fascinating portrait of the author. I found myself with three main things on my mind while I read it. First, it was very interesting to see how Tammet's mind works and views numbers in such a different way from me, and I assume from most people. Second, I enjoyed seeing parallels with Alaina--she even went through a phase of collecting junk mail flyers just like Tammet! I was mixed about how hopeful it made me though--clearly the author's incredible facility with language has allowed him to have a very successful career, which is not something Alaina has, but even aside from that, I think it does show that a person with autism/asperger's can lead a life as fulfilling as anyone (even without savant capabilities). Third, it was an interesting look inside the British welfare and educational system. My American sensibilities were horrified by the fact that Tammet's unemployed parents continued to have children, but of course I was happy that in spite of this Tammet had the educational opportunities that all children deserve. I'd recommend this for anyone interested in autism and/or Asperger's. (show less)

   

  by Susan Stritter Russell on May 11, 2009 at 02:34PM

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