Diagnosing Jefferson [Hardcover]

Norm Ledgin (Author), Temple Grandin (Commentary)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 15, 2000

Historians have long remarked on Thomas Jefferson's "peculiarities." But it took author Norm Ledgin, whose son has Asperger's Syndrome, to see what others did not. In this intriguing book, Ledgin carefully constructs a convincing case for the likelihood that Thomas Jefferson had Asperger's Syndrome. He matches Jefferson's behaviors with five diagnostic criteria for Asperger's: social impairment, preoccupation with "special interests," impairment in nonverbal communication, lack of emotional reciprocity, and inflexible adherence to nonfunctional routines. He also addresses other well-known signs of Asperger's, such as failure to recognize social cues, need for calming pressure, and indifference to peer pressure. A fascinating read!

Helpful chaptes include:

• A Truth Not Self-Evident
• A Reluctant Celebrity
• A Logical Choice
• Separate Realities
• Magnificent Obsession
•  "Disastrous Legacy"
• "Glacial Exterior"
• Relative Insensitivity
• The Man in the Red Vest
• "A More Universal Acquaintance"

 

Editorial Reviews

Review

“This book is fantastic! Talent and intellectual giftedness is often associated with autism and Asperger’s syndrome. There is a continuum from normal to abnormal. A small amount of these traits can provide an advantage in being able to think objectively. Thomas Jefferson used these advantages when helping to create our system of government.”
Dr. Temple Grandin

 

“This work is important on three levels. It presents evidence to substantiate the hypothesis that Thomas Jefferson exhibited symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome….To parents, educators and caregivers who deal with children with Asperger’s Syndrome the book offers hope, reliable information and invaluable experience-based guidance.”
Dr. Richard P. McCormick, Professor Emeritus in History, Rutgers University

 

“This book is good for the serious student of Asperger’s Syndrome. Parents and professionals should encourage the person with Asperger’s to read this to recognize the value such individuals have, and have had, to our society. There are genuine heroes with Asperger’s.”
Dr. Tony Attwood

 

About the Author

Norm and his wife Marsha were professional partners as safety educators, and then business partners in weekly newspaper publishing for fifteen years. With this book, they have renewed their professional partnership, after a hiatus during which they dedicated themselves to full-time parenting. They have two daughters, Stephanie and Allison, and three sons, David, Alfred, and Nicholas.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 254 pages
• Publisher: Future Horizons (August 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1885477600
• ISBN-13: 978-1885477606
• Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 1.1 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #84,944 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #21 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( J ) > Jefferson, Thomas
  • #37 in Books > Education & Reference > Schools & Teaching > Special Education > Behavioral Disorders

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 42 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Personally Inspiring October 10, 2003

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

This book has meant a lot to me as a teenager with an Asperger condition.

My Dad called my attention to it and said jokingly, "Maybe you'll learn a little history." But I also learned about myself, reading about so many things that bothered Tom Jefferson that also bothered me. Thanks to this book, they don't bother me anywhere near as much as they used to.

I'm proud we shared many of the same "quirks."

33 of 38 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Diagnosising Jefferson big hit with educators January 29, 2001

By Marsha E. Lytle

Format:Hardcover

I enjoyed Mr. Ledgin's book, Diagnosing Jefferson, on several levels, both as an educator who deals with students on all points of the special education continuum and as an historian. Since Thomas Jefferson has so recently been in the spotlight due to the allegations of his relationship with Sally Hemmings, it was fascinating to have a more thorough understanding of his often bizarre and unpredictable behavior and the reasons behind it. My empathy for Jefferson increased and it spurred my interest in reading more about him. For parents of children with Aspergers, Mr. Ledgin offers valuable insights on how to deal with the "system" and for the children themselves this book could not help but be a boost to their self-esteem to know that many famous people perservered despite their limitations.

33 of 38 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars There are genuine heros with Asperger's Syndrome December 13, 2000

By Dr. Tony Attwood

Format:Hardcover

I would recommend it for the serious student of Asperger's Syndrome. Parents and professionals should encourage the person with Asperger's to read this in order to recognise the value such individuals have, and have had, in our society. There are genuine heros with Asperger's Syndrome.