The Einstein Syndrome
"Two separate studies of children who are exceptionally bright, and at the same time exceptionally late in beginning to speak, provide the background for the dramatic story of these children and their often anguished parents. Although such children have begun to be studied only within the past decade, numerous examples have turned up across the United States and overseas."--BOOK JACKET.
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What Hacker News says
- No, you're the one that's wrong. Einstein did poorly in elementary school, being classified as mentally retarded. He indeed fast-tracked to gymnasium and university after one of his teachers observed his talent at math.
This doesn't mean he was stupid. Go and read "The Einstein Syndrome" [1], it's a fascinating read.
[1] http://www.amazon.com/The-Einstein-Syndrome-Bright-Children/...
- Both my wife and I lean toward the academic. I went to MIT, and we have an ASD son. This research is fascinating. And I think the Time article on it (http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2089358,00....) is a good starting place. A while back the "Einstein Syndrome" book did a light treatment on this topic but for speech delays. Ultimately, I think the whole concept of an autism spectrum is helpful and harmful, because severe kiddos are so different from high-functioning (e.g. nerds) ones.
- Myopia is one of the characteristics of bright but late-talking children that Thomas Sowell talks about In his book, "The Einstein Syndrome: Bright Children Who Talk Late" (http://www.amazon.com/Einstein-Syndrome-Bright-Children-Talk...). Other characteristics include above-average math and music abilities, good memories, and strong wills.
