Baron-Cohen, Simon

The author examines how the so-called empathy circuit in the brain works in an attempt to understand the difference between those who exhibit lack of empathy, such as autistic people, but manage to function within society without violence, and violent individuals. In addition, he argues that social and environmental factors are just as important factors in violent behavior as biological ones.

"[The author] makes a case that autism is as crucial to our creative and cultural history as the mastery of fire. Indeed, Baron-Cohen argues that autistic people have played a key role in human progress for seventy thousand years, from the first tools to the digital revolution"--Amazon.

The author examines how the so-called empathy circuit in the brain works in an attempt to understand the difference between those who exhibit lack of empathy, such as autistic people, but manage to function within society without violence, and violent individuals. In addition, he argues that social and environmental factors are just as important factors in violent behavior as biological ones.

The author presents scientific evidence to support his theory that the male and female brains are different, with the male brain predominantly wired for understanding and building systems, and the female for empathy.

Offers practical advice about autism that answers the more common questions parents ask concerning this condition, such as what causes autism in children, if it is genetic, treatments, and organizations that deal with autism.

The author examines how the so-called empathy circuit in the brain works in an attempt to understand the difference between those who exhibit lack of empathy, such as autistic people, but manage to function within society without violence, and violent individuals. In addition, he argues that social and environmental factors are just as important factors in violent behavior as biological ones.