Rating: 
Summary: Has given us insight
Review: The Harrisonburg, Va., reviewer Randall See's statements about the author of Diagnosing Jefferson don't match the facts. First, Norm Ledgin was frank to admit at the start of his book that he was drawing on secondary sources (the works of respected historians) for all observations about Thomas Jefferson's idiosyncrasies, which Mr. Ledgin said match no other explanation but Asperger's Syndrome.Second, I learned by interviewing Mr. Ledgin several years ago that his book was contracted for publication by Carol Publishing, a mainstream New York area trade publisher, and that it had been edited by one of the most respected editors in the business, Hillel Black. Carol went belly-up while preparing Diagnosing Jefferson for print. Rather than start the process of recontacting other trade houses, Mr. Ledgin turned to the specialty publisher, Future Horizons, whose president, Wayne Gilpin, had previously expressed very strong interest. What has bothered a few people about Mr. Ledgin's book deep-down is his ready acceptance of the Sally Hemings liaison as a 38-year love affair. That acceptance is seemingly understandable to Mr. Ledgin (and now, it appears, to the Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello) on the strength of known facts, but to others it is the basis for a mental and emotional block.
Rating:
Summary: Mr. See is somewhat short-sighted.
Review: The Harrisonburg, Va., reviewer Randall See's statements about the author of Diagnosing Jefferson don't match the facts. First, Norm Ledgin was frank to admit at the start of his book that he was drawing on secondary sources (the works of respected historians) for all observations about Thomas Jefferson's idiosyncrasies, which Mr. Ledgin said match no other explanation but Asperger's Syndrome. Second, I learned by interviewing Mr. Ledgin several years ago that his book was contracted for publication by Carol Publishing, a mainstream New York area trade publisher, and that it had been edited by one of the most respected editors in the business, Hillel Black. Carol went belly-up while preparing Diagnosing Jefferson for print. Rather than start the process of recontacting other trade houses, Mr. Ledgin turned to the specialty publisher, Future Horizons, whose president, Wayne Gilpin, had previously expressed very strong interest. What has bothered a few people about Mr. Ledgin's book deep-down is his ready acceptance of the Sally Hemings liaison as a 38-year love affair. That acceptance is seemingly understandable to Mr. Ledgin (and now, it appears, to the Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello) on the strength of known facts, but to others it is the basis for a mental and emotional block.
Rating:
Summary: Personally Inspiring
Review: 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."
Rating:
Summary: Personally Inspiring
Review: 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."
Rating:
Summary: Constitutional Autism
Review: This book is an excellent first stop for newly-diagnosed adults to make. It is also a fascinating, fresh look at history.
I like the way Ledgin explains autism and autism-spectrum behaviors. To his credit, he recognizes autism as the neurobiological condition that it is and provides examples taken from Jefferson's own life to illustrate the claim Jefferson was on the spectrum. Autism and its related condition, Asperger's Syndrome affect sensory integration, communication and social skills. A lack of social intuition is also part of a/A spectrum behaviors. Ledgin used his son's behavior as an example to show the glaring similarities between the child's behavior and that of the late president. I found that a very interesting premise that sparked the writing of this book.
Many people with autism, adults in particular will feel a bond with Jefferson and find that having a place on the a/A spectrum is not a stigmatizing life sentence. While autism presents a series of major challenges, it does not mean individuals who have it are incapable of major accomplishments, professionally, romantically and even socially.
Autism consists of compensations. One major example given is Jefferson's mastery of the written language. He was not a noted speaker, but his extraordinary writing skills more than made up for that. He also appeared to celebrate and embrace his own individuality and recognize this as an important part of himself. That is what celebrating the Autism Experience is all about.
Ledgin has served multi-purposes with this book. It is well researched and documented. Ledgin also looks at Jefferson from a very different perspective and provides a bird's eye view of autism in his explanations and descriptions of spectrum behaviors.
And yeah, he masterfully instills pride in readers with autism who come across this book.
Rating:
Summary: Diagnosing Jefferson
Review: This book is an inspiration to youngsters who have had problems with their self-esteem. Thanks to the teasing by their peers for their idiosyncrasies. And it's a new focus on one of our most brilliant and enigmatic presidents. It's a five-star effort that will never go out of date.
Rating:
Summary: Diagnosing Jefferson
Review: This book provides great insight into Thomas Jefferson. 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 autism traits can provide an advantage. One of these advantages is being able to think objectively, which Thomas Jefferson used to his advantage when he helped to develop our system of government.
Rating: 
Summary: good
Review: this is a good book. it can be used to show as kids that they can achive greatness. you can tell the author really reaserched it. he did not just make up a theroy.he also has compassion gfor as pepole.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting
Review: This was an interesting book. Did Jefferson have special needs? He may have, if he would have been diagnosed with some if he lived in our times. GREAT insight about Aspergers as well. Highly recommended! Jeffrey McAndrew
author of "Our Brown-Eyed Boy"
Rating:
Summary: Interesting
Review: This was an interesting book. Did Jefferson have special needs? He may have, if he would have been diagnosed with some if he lived in our times. GREAT insight about Aspergers as well. Highly recommended! Jeffrey McAndrew
author of "Our Brown-Eyed Boy"
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