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A review by princesszinza
Switched On: A Memoir of Brain Change and Emotional Awakening by John Elder Robison
4.0
I'd like to thank Netgalley and Random House for the free copy of this book. I read and loved John Robison's "Look Me in the Eye" and was excited to read his newest book. At the beginning of his story, John speaks of all the parents who come up to him after lectures looking for help for their own autistic children. They beseech him for answers. John is reluctant to be as an autism guru and hopes that his writing that he worked so hard on is appreciated for it's merits. Like so much of what Mr. Robison discusses I found this passage so interesting and pondered it as I read the rest of the book. I know these parents he describes so well. Desperate for some sort of fix or cure for their children they read up books by Temple Grandlin, Donna Williams and John Robison desperately hoping that their stories will give them insight and a way to reach their child. The irony is that each of these writers achieved their success by embracing their differences and using their uniqueness to stand out in a neurotypical world. (For the record, although I originally picked up "Look Me in the Eye" to glean his insight, I kept reading because I enjoyed John's prose and humor. He's an excellent writer.)
This is why I was surprised when I learned that John Robison decided to be part of a study to have his brain magnetically stimulated to see if it would help him relate better to other people. The experiment was a success for John. John's own son Cubby eventually joined the study. Cubby's results were not as dramatic. The book lays out his journey in brain stimulation as well as some significant milestones (divorce, remarriage, the death of his first wife) in vivid detail. I loved how he describes the way he heard music in a new way after his brain zapping. The author explains the brain and it's pathways in great detail. He also explains the TMS procedure thoroughly.
John Robison is either very brave or extremely reckless. I can't imagine agreeing to do something that would alter the pathways I use to think and relate to others. It's even more harrowing to imagine recommending such a procedure to my own child. It's fascinating to think of the brain and it's ability to change - it's plasticity. I was fascinated by the science and by the test subject. I also appreciated John's thoughtful ruminations on the ethics of this new science. John feels that this treatment is best used on adults. I strongly agree with him.
For myself, I'm still a strong advocate for acceptance. I'm not looking for a cure for my loved one. I am hopeful that this procedure benefits those who chose to join a study and try it.
This is why I was surprised when I learned that John Robison decided to be part of a study to have his brain magnetically stimulated to see if it would help him relate better to other people. The experiment was a success for John. John's own son Cubby eventually joined the study. Cubby's results were not as dramatic. The book lays out his journey in brain stimulation as well as some significant milestones (divorce, remarriage, the death of his first wife) in vivid detail. I loved how he describes the way he heard music in a new way after his brain zapping. The author explains the brain and it's pathways in great detail. He also explains the TMS procedure thoroughly.
John Robison is either very brave or extremely reckless. I can't imagine agreeing to do something that would alter the pathways I use to think and relate to others. It's even more harrowing to imagine recommending such a procedure to my own child. It's fascinating to think of the brain and it's ability to change - it's plasticity. I was fascinated by the science and by the test subject. I also appreciated John's thoughtful ruminations on the ethics of this new science. John feels that this treatment is best used on adults. I strongly agree with him.
For myself, I'm still a strong advocate for acceptance. I'm not looking for a cure for my loved one. I am hopeful that this procedure benefits those who chose to join a study and try it.