Announcing a New Title from Nova Science Publishers, Inc.
Asperger’s syndrome – A Gift or a Curse?
Viktoria Lyons and Michael Fitzgerald
ISBN 1594543879
Chapters on neuro-psychological theories of autism and Asperger’s syndrome including latest neurobiological research data, current interpretation of special gifts and assets of the condition plus the advancement of a new hypothesis of Asperger’s syndrome as a disorder of the social self are followed by an examination of the life histories of ten contemporary and historical figures who had Asperger’s syndrome including:
* The writers Patricia Highsmith, creator of ‘Mr. Ripley’ and Robert Walser, tragic and mysterious literary genius of the 20th century German literature.
* Famous geniuses from the fields of science and philosophy including Charles Darwin and Bertrand Russell as well as the unknown child prodigy William James Sidis and gifted mathematician Kurt Gödel.
* The ‘cinematic messiah’ Stanley Kubrick, the sexologist Alfred Kinsey, the controversial politician Enoch Powell and animal lover Joy Adamson.
The profiles of these ten very different personalities give an insight into the diversity and complexity of Asperger’s syndrome. Although the developmental trajectories are similar, the outcomes can be very different. Asperger’s syndrome – A Gift or a Curse? will prove a fascinating read not only for professionals in the field of autism and Asperger’s syndrome, but also for anybody interested in this condition and the link with creativity and outstanding ability.
NOVA SCIENCE PUBLISHERS, INC. 400 Oser Avenue, Suite 1600, Hauppauge, NY 11788-3619, U.S.A.
Tel. (631)-231-7269. Fax. (631)-231-8175
Tel. (00353) 86 8597545 or (003531) 821 1796.
Asperger Syndrome – A Gift or a Curse?
Viktoria Lyons and Michael Fitzgerald
September 2005 – ISBN 1594543879
Chapters on neuro-psychological theories of Autism and Asperger Syndrome including latest neurobiological research data, current interpretation of special gifts and assets of the condition plus the advancement of a new hypothesis of Asperger syndrome as a disorder of the social self are followed by an examination of the life histories of ten contemporary and historical figures who had Asperger Syndrome including
* The writers Patricia Highsmith, creator of ‘Mr. Ripley’ and Robert Walser, tragic and mysterious literary genius of 20th century German literature.
* Famous geniuses from the fields of science and philosophy including Charles Darwin and Bertrand Russell as well as the unknown child prodigy William James Sidis and gifted mathematician Kurt Gödel.
* The ‘cinematic messiah’ Stanley Kubrick, the sexologist Alfred Kinsey, the controversial politician Enoch Powell and animal lover Joy Adamson.
The profiles of these ten very different personalities give an insight into the diversity and complexity of Asperger Syndrome. Although the developmental trajectories are similar, the outcomes can be very different. Asperger Syndrome – A Gift or a Curse? will prove a fascinating read not only for professionals in the field of autism and Asperger syndrome, but also for anybody interested in this condition and the link with creativity and outstanding ability.
NOVA SCIENCE PUBLISHERS, INC. 400 Oser Avenue, Suite 1600 Hauppauge, NY 11788-3619 USA
Tel. (631)-231-7269 Fax. (631)-231-8175
www.novapublishers.com
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PRESS RELEASE
Did You Know that Enoch Powell and Stanley Kubrick had Asperger Syndrome?
‘The price Newton had to pay for being a supreme intellect was that he was incapable of friendship, love, fatherhood, and many other desirable things. As a man he was a failure; as a monster he was superb’. Aldous Huxley about Sir Isaac Newton
Is it an advantage to have Asperger Syndrome? Is it an insurmountable burden? Or is it a difficult balancing act between both extremes? These are the questions the authors of Asperger Syndrome – A Gift or a Curse? are examining. The life histories of ten prominent personalities from the world of literature, film, philosophy, mathematics, science and politics who had Asperger syndrome are analyzed against the backdrop of neuropsychological theories of autism/Asperger syndrome and current neurobiological research data.
Some of those individuals were very successful in their area of expertise and led fulfilling lives despite or because of their condition while for others life was a continuous struggle. For example, Charles Darwin, a loner and eccentric was one of the most influential and revolutionary scientists of all times. Enoch Powell, a man of enormous intellect, a workaholic and recluse, was a controversial and enigmatic figure of British politics. Both personalities had the support of their families. In contrast, the life of Bertrand Russell, foremost philosopher and mathematician of the 20th century was defined by solitariness, superiority, emotional coldness, search for a sense of self and deep unhappiness.
Other historical and contemporary personalities figures examined retrospectively include the ‘cinematic messiah’ Stanley Kubrick, the American sexologist Alfred Kinsey, the eccentric crime writer Patricia Highsmith, the child prodigy William James Sidis, the tragic and mysterious Swiss writer Robert Walser, the animal lover Joy Adamson and gifted mathematician Kurt Gödel. The analysis illustrates the diversity and complexity of Asperger syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder which is sometimes associated with high intelligence and creativity and gives some insight why some people with Asperger syndrome excel in life while others struggle.
Note to Editors: Dr. Viktoria Lyons is neuropsychologist with special interest in the field of Autism/Asperger Syndrome. She was born in Germany and has been living in Ireland for more than twenty years. Professor Michael Fitzgerald is Henry Marsh Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Trinity College, Dublin. He is the author of over 120 publications and 14 books on Autism/Asperger Syndrome. Dr. Lyons, e-mail: viktorialyons@yahoo.co.uk and Professor Fitzgerald are available for interview + 353 86 8597547.
Asperger Syndrome – A Gift or a Curse? (ISBN 1-59454-387-9, $69 in hardcover) by NOVA Publishers Inc., 400 Oser Avenue, Suite 1600, Hauppauge, NY 11788-3619, USA. E-mail: novascience@Earthlink.net. Tel. 631-231-7269 Fax: 631-231-8175. www.novapublishers.com
—————————————————————————————————————————-
PRESS RELEASE
Did You Know that Stanley Kubrick and Alfred Kinsey had Asperger Syndrome?
The price Newton had to pay for being a supreme intellect was that he was incapable of friendship, love, fatherhood, and many other desirable things. As a man he was a failure; as a monster he was superb’. Aldous Huxley about Sir Isaac Newton
Is it an advantage to have Asperger Syndrome? Is it an insurmountable burden? Or is it a difficult balancing act between both extremes? These are the questions the authors of Asperger Syndrome – A Gift or a Curse? are examining. The life histories of ten prominent personalities from the world of literature, film, philosophy, mathematics, science and politics who had Asperger syndrome are analyzed against the backdrop of neuropsychological theories of autism/Asperger syndrome and current neurobiological research data.
Some of those individuals were very successful in their area of expertise and led fulfilling lives despite or because of their condition while for others life was a continuous struggle. For example, the ‘cinematic messiah’ Stanley Kubrick, creator of masterpieces such as ‘Clockwork Orange’, ‘Lolita’ and ‘2001 – Space Odyssey’ a workaholic, recluse and perfectionist had a contented life and great family support. In contrast, the American Alfred Kinsey, scientist, researcher, sexologist, world famous for his reports on the sexual lives of American men had severe problems with his own sexuality and many other psychopathic features. Likewise the renowned American writer of crime fiction, Patricia Highsmith suffered from additional psychiatric disorders and led a life of loneliness and unhappiness defined by a desperate search for identity. Even more heartbreaking, the life of William James Sidis, child prodigy, mathematical genius and possibly America’s greatest brain who died at an early age alone and destitute, was an enormous tragedy.
Other historical and contemporary personalities figures examined retrospectively include the controversial British Politician Enoch Powell, the outstanding philosopher and mathematician Bertrand Russell, one of the most important scientists of all times Charles Darwin, the tragic and mysterious Swiss writer Robert Walser, the animal lover Joy Adamson and the gifted mathematician Kurt Gödel. The analysis illustrates the diversity and complexity of Asperger syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder which is sometimes associated with high intelligence and creativity and gives some insight why some people with Asperger syndrome excel in life while others struggle.
Note to Editors: Dr. Viktoria Lyons is neuropsychologist with special interest in the field of Autism/Asperger Syndrome. She was born in Germany and has been living in Ireland for more than twenty years. Professor Michael Fitzgerald is Henry Marsh Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Trinity College, Dublin. He is the author of over 120 publications and 14 books.
Asperger Syndrome – A Gift or a Curse? (ISBN 1-59454-387-9, $69 in hardcover) by NOVA Publishers Inc., 400 Oser Avenue, Suite 1600, Hauppauge, NY 11788-3619.. Tel. 631-231-7269 Fax: 631-231-8175. www.novapublishers.com