The Prodigy's Cousin

 “This scientific page-turner could forever change how we view autistic individuals, child prodigies, and ourselves. Ruthsatz and Stephens may have written the Rosetta stone of talent development.”
—DAVID HENRY FELDMAN, author of Nature’s Gambit; chair, Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Development, Tufts University
 
“The Prodigy’s Cousin is a refreshing counterpoint to the many books that focus on disability in children while ignoring their exceptionality. This book reminds us that every child has surprising gifts to be sought after and grown.”
—JOHN ELDER ROBISON, author of Look Me in the Eye; Neurodiversity Scholar in Residence, College of William & Mary
 
“This important book shows that autism and innate talent are linked. During a long career I’ve worked with many creative designers, inventors, and skilled tradespeople who were obviously undiagnosed individuals with autism.”
—TEMPLE GRANDIN, author of Thinking in Pictures
 
“This beautiful scientific detective story takes a hard look at the development of extraor­dinary children and presents groundbreaking evidence that the study of prodigies could actually advance our understanding of autism.”
—SCOTT BARRY KAUFMAN, author of Ungifted and Wired to Create
 
“The characters who populate The Prodigy’s Cousin are as magical and mysterious as comic book superheroes. Ruthsatz and Stephens take the reader on a quest to uncover the biological underpinnings of children whose talents are simply stunning.”
—DAVID EPSTEIN, author of The Sports Gene
 
“This book will enlighten you about the roots of autism and, more than that, change the way you think about what it means to be an ‘other.’ ”
—ERIC WEINER, author of The Geography of Genius
 
“Through portraits of prodigies and autists, Ruthsatz and Stephens reveal the overlap in the cognitive profiles of these two groups and present tantalizing evidence for a possible shared genetic mutation.”
—ELLEN WINNER, author of Gifted Children: Myths and Realities; professor of psychology, Boston College

“There’s much more to be said about The Prodigy’s Cousin and its many insights into the connections between autism and genius, but these are best discovered on your own. Read the book-it’s quick and engaging, and I promise it will expand your perceptions both of prodigies and of what’s possible for autistic kids.”
–PARENTS.COM

“Whether or not their lives inform new clinical understandings, the stories of these extraordinary young achievers, growing up with unique gifts and challenges, deliver a fascinating look at the humanity behind the world of brilliant, unusual minds.”
—SCIENCE NEWS
 
“People with an interest in autism or prodigies will be intrigued by the interesting hypothesis posed by this psychologist-journalist duo, who provide a lovely epilogue about what their young prodigies are doing today.”
—BOOKLIST