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Professor Michael Fitzgerarld

Books

For a text list of all books click here
For press releases click here
youngviolent.jpg While murder is a matter of serious concern to the community, serial killing is a matter of even greater concern. Serial killers have baffled the public and professionals for hundreds of years. This book attempts to increase our understanding of serial killers. Fitzgerald suggests that Autistic Psychopathy may underlie some of these serial killers. He suggests a new diagnostic Criminal Autistic Psychopathy, which he identifies as a subcategory of Asperger’s syndrome. This has had a far greater explanatory power than previously realised. Persons with callous, unemotional traits - often called empathy deficits - are very much associated with Autistic Psychopathy. This book offers insight of the dynamics associated with this pathological personality and how the individual's criminality affects our society and its victims.
Click to Buy on Amazon

ADHD.jpg There is a great deal of information on the negative aspects of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder but very little on the positive aspects or the potentially creative aspects of this disorder. This is of enormous importance to, not alone academics, but parents and families of persons with this disorder. This book offers intelligent information about both the positive and negative aspects as well as a possible link to creativity.

Click to Buy on Amazon

geniusgenes.jpg This well-researched book challenges the way we often look at autism and Asperger Syndrome by proposing that many famous historical figures had autistic mindsets. Arguing that highly creative people are largely born and not made, the authors present case studies of the lives of 21 famous individuals, tying their personalities, talents and lifestyles to the major characteristics of Asperger Syndrome. The book demonstrates that many people with ASD have lived rich, complex, productive lives, and that their intelligence and special talents made a significant contribution to the world today. It is a great tool for increasing general knowledge and awareness about ASD as it offers a new perspective on an often negative perception of autism and Asperger Syndrome.

Click to Buy on Amazon

Mind.jpg What makes mathematicians tick? How do their minds process formulas and concepts that, for most of the rest of the world's population, remain mysterious and beyond comprehension? Is there a connection between mathematical creativity and mental illness?

In The Mind of the Mathematician, internationally famous mathematician Ioan James and accomplished psychiatrist Michael Fitzgerald look at the complex world of mathematics and the mind. Together they explore the behavior and personality traits that tend to fit the profile of a mathematician. They discuss mathematics and the arts, savants, gender and mathematical ability, and the impact of autism, personality disorders, and mood disorders.
These topics, together with a succinct analysis of some of the great mathematical personalities of the past three centuries, combine to form an eclectic and fascinating blend of story and scientific inquiry.

Click to Buy on Amazon


handbook.jpg Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent childhood psychiatric disorders of our time. The condition is defined by levels of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that are in impairing and developmentally inappropriate. Increasingly, there is a growing appreciation that for many individuals the disorder may persist into adulthood and be associated with significant social and economic burden.

Conditions, such as ADHD, that are manifestly heterogeneous in terms of their clinical presentation, underlying neurobiology and treatment response, must be tackled on multiple fronts. This Handbook of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder provides a state of the art position on each of these fronts from leading clinicians and researchers from around the world. Broad in its scope and comprehensive in its detail, this book should be as useful to the student as it is to the experienced clinician or researcher.

Click to Buy on Amazon

The subject of autism and Asperger's syndrome are receiving ever greater coverage in the media, in films such as Rainman, and in literature. Very often people who are affected by Asperger's exhibit high level abilities in certain areas and other physical or behavioral traits may also be apparent. In Unstoppable Brilliance, the authors seek to demonstrate the particular facts and attributes of many well-known Irish historical figures, and show that in many ways their drive, focus and considerable achievements were almost inevitable given their high-level aptitude in particular fields - an aptitude not entirely of their own making or volition.

Click to Buy on Amazon

succeeding.jpg This vital new book presents effective strategies to tackle the specific difficulties in social interaction and communication that are experienced by adolescents with Asperger Syndrome (AS). Focusing on the development of interaction skills through teaching social competence, the authors explain how to design an effective social skills intervention programme whose primary objective is successful peer interaction. They describe the methodology, philosophy and science underpinning their approach and include a template for a sample course currently administered over six months. Guidance is given on what resources to choose from the wide range of available intervention programmes, and many case study examples are also provided. The authors outline session formats, possible problems and solutions, and emphasise the significance of the therapist's attitude and the role of parents in building social confidence. This book will be an excellent resource for anyone involved with designing and delivering socialisation training to adolescents with AS, from parents and teachers to counsellors and therapists.

Click to Buy on Amazon




Is it an advantage to have Asperger Syndrome? Is it an insurmountable burden? Or is it a difficult balancing act between both extremes? These are the questions the authors of Asperger Syndrome – A Gift or a Curse?  are examining. The life histories of ten prominent personalities from the world of literature, film, philosophy, mathematics, science and politics who had Asperger syndrome are analyzed against the backdrop of neuropsychological theories of autism/Asperger syndrome and current neurobiological research data.

Click to Buy on Amazon


The nature of artistic creativity and its relationship with 'difference' has intrigued people for centuries. The Genesis of Artistic Creativity is a revealing exploration of the lives of 21 famous writers, philosophers, musicians and painters including George Orwell, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Andy Warhol and many others, in light of the recognized criteria for diagnosis of high-functioning autism and Asperger's Syndrome (AS). Having diagnosed hundreds of individuals with AS during his professional career, Professor Fitzgerald examines here the social behaviour, language, humour, and obsessive interests and routines that accompanied creative genius in the past four centuries.
From Herman Melville's eccentric breakfast habits and Simone Weil's intense dislike of being touched by other people to Ludwig van Beethoven's inappropriate marriage proposals and Vincent van Gogh's inability to form satisfying relationships with others, the author offers compelling insights into the association between creativity and autism spectrum disorders. This celebration of artistic genius and AS will prove a fascinating read not only for professionals in the field of autism and AS, but for anyone interested in the sources of creativity and the arts.

Click to Buy on Amazon

Autism and Creativity is a stimulating study of male creativity and autism, arguing that a major genetic endowment is a prerequisite of genius, and that cultural and environmental factors are less significant than has often been claimed. Autism and Creativity will prove enthralling reading not only for professionals and students in the field of autism and Asperger’s syndrome, but for anyone wanting to know how individuals presenting autistic features have on many occasions changed the way we understand society.

This is quite simply the best book I have read on autism . . . Fitzgerald is clearly an experienced clinician and his deep understanding of the spectrum of autism conditions comes across in his writings. But he is also an exceptional scholar.
Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, Cambridge University.

Click to Buy on Amazon

Suceeding in College with Asperger Syndrome demystifies the range of college experiences for students with AS. It is a must for these students, their parents and counselors alike, providing benefits that will continue throughout the college years and beyond.

'This guide provides information to help these students prepare successfully for the rites and rituals of studying, interact with staff and fellow students, cope with expectations and pressures, and understand their domestic and academic responsibilities.' - Autism US

'Students with Asperger Syndrome need an environment which is encouraging if they are to succeed. This book is immensely important for students and for the staff who are trying to make college an enjoyable and productive experience. - Paul Shattock OBE, Director: Autism Research Unit, University of Sunderland; Chairman European Services for People with Autism, Hon Secretary: World Autism Organisation.

Click to Buy on Amazon


Examination Papers - Single Statement and Extended Matching Items

PPOIF.jpg Pressure Points on Irish Families
A free e-book

Click on link to the left
(e-book can be downloaded there)

IFUS7.jpg Irish Families Under Stress
Volume 7 focuses on History, Psychotherapy, Diabetes, Substance Misuse, Sudden Infant Death, Child Anxieties

Click on image to download the book in PDF format
(note this is a large file and may take some time to download)

IFUS6.jpg Irish Families Under Stress
Volume 6 focuses on a Prevalence and Psychosocial Study of Autism in Dublin

Click on image to download the book in PDF format
(note this is a large file and may take some time to download)

IFUS5.jpg Irish Families Under Stress
Volume 5 focuses on the Audit and Evaluation of a child psychiatry clinic

Click on image to download the book in PDF format
(note this is a large file and may take some time to download)

IFUS4.jpg Irish Families Under Stress
Volume 4 focuses on Childhood Depression, Behaviour Problems, Delinquency, Eating Problems, Adolescent Problems, Parental Mental Stress

Click on image to download the book in PDF format
(note this is a large file and may take some time to download)

IFUS3.jpg Irish Families Under Stress
Volume 3 focuses on Blood Lead, Behaviour Problems, Adolescent Problems, Psychotherapy, Comparison of Ireland with Malaysia

Click on image to download the book in PDF format
(note this is a large file and may take some time to download)

IFUS2.jpg Irish Families Under Stress
Volume 2 focuses on Education and behaviour Problems in over 2000 Irish Children

Click on image to download the book in PDF format
(note this is a large file and may take some time to download)

IFUS1.jpg Irish Families Under Stress
Volume 1 focuses on Behaviour Problems in Children including Traveller Children and Factors associated with Behaviour problems in Children

Click on image to download the book in PDF format
(note this is a large file and may take some time to download)

childhosp.jpg Pathways to Child Hospitalization focuses on Psychosocial Issues in Relation to Child Hospitalization

child2adult.jpg From Child to Adult

 List                                                                                                                             Top

1 Fitzgerald M.  (2010).  Young, Violent & Dangerous to Know.  Nova Science Publishers, New York.  (Book on Forensic Psychiatry including Serial Killers).
2 Fitzgerald M.  (2008).  Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Creativity, Novelty Seeking and Risk.  Nova Scientific:  New York.
3 Fitzgerald M., O’Brien B.  (2007).  Genius Genes:  How Asperger’s syndrome Changed the World.  Autism Asperger Publishing Company.
4 Fitzgerald M., James I.  (2007).  The Mind of the Mathematician.  Johns Hopkins University Press:  Baltimore.
5 Fitzgerald M., Bellgrove M., Gill M.  (2007).  Handbook of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.  Wiley:  New York
6 Walker A., Fitzgerald M.  (2006).  Unstoppable Brilliance.  Dublin Liberties Press.  (Focuses on Emmet, de Valera, Pearse, Hamilton, Boyle, Bates, Yeats, Joyce, Beckett).
7 Harpur J., Lawlor M., Fitzgerald M.  (2006).  Succeeding with Interventions for Asperger’s syndrome and Adolescents.  London Jessica Kingsley.
8 Lyons V., Fitzgerald M.  (2005).  Asperger’s syndrome Gift or Curse?  Nova Scientific:  New York.
9 Fitzgerald M.  (2005).  The Genesis of Artistic Creativity:  Asperger’s syndrome and the Arts.  London Jessica Kingsley.  (Also published in Japan).
10 Fitzgerald M.  (2004).  Autism and Creativity:  Is there a link between autism in men and exceptional ability?  Brunner Routledge:  New York.  (Also published in Japan).
11 Harpur J., Lawlor M., Fitzgerald M.  (2003).  Succeeding in College with Asperger’s syndrome.  Jessica Kingsley:  New York.
12 Fitzgerald M.  (2003).  Irish Families Under Stress – Volume 7.  ISBN 0948 562 706.  (Focuses on History, Psychotherapy, Diabetes, Substance Misuse, Sudden Infant Death, Child Anxieties).
13 Fitzgerald M., Matthews P., Birkbeck G., O’Connor J.  (1996).  Irish Families Under Stress – Volume 6.  ISBN 0948 562 34X.  (Focuses on a Prevalence and Psychosocial Study of Autism in Dublin).
14 Fitzgerald M., Moukaddem S., Barry M.  (1996).  Irish Families Under Stress – Volume 5.  ISBN 0948 562 897.  Audit and evaluation of a child psychiatry clinic.
15 Fitzgerald M.  (1995).  Irish Families Under Stress – Volume 4.  ISBN 0948 562 099.  (Focuses on Childhood Depression, Behaviour Problems, Delinquency, Eating Problems, Adolescent Problems, Parental Mental Stress.
16 Fitzgerald M.  (1991).  Irish Families Under Stress – Volume 3.  ISBN 0948 562 064.  (Focuses on Blood Lead, Behaviour Problems, Adolescent Problems, Psychotherapy.  Comparison Ireland with Malaysia).
17 Jeffers A., Fitzgerald M.  (1991).  Irish Families Under Stress – Volume 2.  ISBN 0948 562 056.  (Focuses                 on Education and behaviour Problems in over 2000 Irish Children.  It is one of the largest ever carried                     out).
18 Fitzgerald M.  (1991).  Irish Families Under Stress – Volume 1.  ISBN 0948 562 048.  (Focuses on Behaviour Problems in Children including Traveller Children and Factors Associated with Behaviour Problems in Children).
19 McGee H., Fitzgerald M.  (1991).  Pathways to Child Hospitalization.  ISBN 0948 562 072.  (Focuses on Psychosocial Issues in Relation to Child Hospitalization).

Press Releases                                                                                                            Top

 

Announcing a New Title from Nova Science Publishers, Inc.

 Asperger’s syndrome – A Gift or a Curse?

 

Viktoria Lyons and Michael Fitzgerald

 

ISBN 1594543879

 
Chapters on neuro-psychological theories of autism and Asperger’s syndrome including latest neurobiological research data, current interpretation of special gifts and assets of the condition plus the advancement of a new hypothesis of Asperger’s syndrome as a disorder of the social self are followed by an examination of the life histories of ten contemporary and historical figures who had Asperger’s syndrome including:

 

* The writers Patricia Highsmith, creator of ‘Mr. Ripley’ and Robert Walser, tragic and mysterious literary genius of the 20th century German literature.

 

* Famous geniuses from the fields of science and philosophy including Charles Darwin and Bertrand Russell as well as the unknown child prodigy William James Sidis and gifted mathematician Kurt Gödel.

 

* The ‘cinematic messiah’ Stanley Kubrick, the sexologist Alfred Kinsey, the controversial politician Enoch Powell and animal lover Joy Adamson.

 

The profiles of these ten very different personalities give an insight into the diversity and complexity of Asperger’s syndrome. Although the developmental trajectories are similar, the outcomes can be very different.  Asperger’s syndrome – A Gift or a Curse? will prove a fascinating read not only for professionals in the field of autism and Asperger’s syndrome, but also for anybody interested in this condition and the link with creativity and outstanding ability.

 

NOVA SCIENCE PUBLISHERS, INC.

400 Oser Avenue, Suite 1600

Hauppauge, NY 11788-3619,

U.S.A.

 

Tel. (631)-231-7269.  Fax. (631)-231-8175

e-mail:  novascience@Earthlink.net

www.novapublishers.com

 

 

www.professormichaelfitzgerald.eu

Tel. (00353) 86 8597545 or (003531) 821 1796.


 

 

Genius Genes:  How Asperger’s Syndrome Changed the World.

 Michael Fitzgerald and Brendan O’Brien (2007).

 
What makes a true artistic genius?  Is there a genetic basis for the spark that sets them apart?

 

This book examines influential figures on various fields including Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, Alfred C. Kinsey, Thomas Jefferson, Stonewall  Jackson, and Gerard Manley Hopkins.

 

“The new view is that people with Asperger’s syndrome (AS) not only have a disability (in managing rapidly changing social situations) but also have talents (in attention to tiny details, persevering in pursuing a single topic in depth for long periods, and the ability to see unchanging patterns).

 

Fitzgerald and O’Brien have produced a beautiful book illustrating how some of the greatest innovators in history may have had a significant number of autistic traits or might have warranted a diagnosis of AS, had they been alive today.  They recognise that for historical figures such speculation can never be validated beyond fragmented biographical evidence, and that these great figures may not be representative of all people with AS.  Nevertheless, their point is well made: people with AS should not be viewed as having a “disease” in need of a cure or eradication.  They need support for their disability (which can be overwhelming) whilst at the same time they need an environment that is “AS-friendly”, where their talents can flourish.  Just occasionally, such talents can lead to important new insights or creativity.

 

The scientific importance of this new view, which fits with the evidence from our own lab over the past decade, is that the genes that cause AS may also be involved in producing such talent”.

Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, University of Cambridge.

 

“I wish this book had been available when I was being teased in high school for being a weird nerd.  Genius Genes is recommended reading for individuals on the autism spectrum and for anyone who has ever been called a nerd.  It will help them feel good about themselves and .motivate them to achieve their dreams”

Temple Grandin, author of Thinking in Pictures and Developing Talents.

 

“Above and beyond the question of whether these giants of intellect and creativity merited a diagnosis of autism, Genius Genes establishes how people with the characteristics of Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism have contributed greatly to humanity, western civilization in particular.  This is a must read for anyone interested in how people with different ways of being can make the world a better place”.

Stephen Shore, author of Beyond the Wall:  Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome; editor and contributor to Ask and Tell: Self-Advocacy and Disclosure for People on the Autism Spectrum; co-author of Understanding autism for Dummies, member of the Board of Directors of the Asperger’s Association of New England and the Board of Directors of the Autism Society of America.

 

Autism Asperger Publishing Company, 15490 Quivira Road, Overland Park,

Kansas 66221, U.S.A.

 

www.asperger.net

www.professormichaelfitzgerald.eu

 


Unstoppable Brilliance

Irish Geniuses and Asperger’s syndrome

Antoinette Walker and

Professor Michael Fitzgerald

 Extent:                240pp + 4pp B&W plates

Price:                  €25

Format:              Cased HB, 240x160mm

ISBN:                 1-905483-031

 
A provocative and stimulating book for the general reader which suggests that many of the most notable people in Irish politics, the arts and sciences may have exhibited traits of Asperger’s syndrome – and much of their drive and success may in some way be connected.

Figures covered include:  Robert Emmet, Padraig Pearse, Eamon de Valera, Robert Boyle: scientist, William Rowan Hamilton: mathematician; Daisy Bates: anthropologist, WB Yeats and Samuel Beckett.

 
Order Online at www.libertiespress.com

and receive 10% discount on the €25 cover price

 
Irish Families Under Stress Volume 1 (1991) ISBN 0948 562 048;  Volume II (1991) ISBN 0948 562 056;  Volume III (1991) ISBN 0948 562 064;  Volume IV (1995) ISBN 0948 562 099;  Volume V (1996) ISBN 0948 562 897;  Volume VI (1996) ISBN 0948 562 34X;  Volume VII (2003) ISBN 0948 562 706.

 

Cleary A., Fitzgerald M., Nixon E.  (2004).  From Child to Adult.  A Longitudinal Study of Irish Children and their Families.  Criterion Press.

 
fitzi@iol.ie

www.professormichaelfitzgerald.eu

Tel. (00353) 86 8597545 or (003531) 821 1796.


The Mind of the Mathematician

Michael Fitzgerald and Ioan James (2007).

What makes the mathematician tick?  How do their minds process formulas and concepts that, for most of the rest of the world’s population, remain mysteriously beyond comprehension?  Is there a connection between mathematical creativity and madness?

In the Mind of the Mathematician, internationally famous mathematician Ioan James and accomplished psychiatrist Michael Fitzgerald look at the complex world of mathematics and the mind.  Together they explore the behaviour and personality traits that tend to fit the profile of a mathematician.  They discuss mathematics and the arts, savants, gender and mathematical ability, autism and mathematicians, and the impact of personality disorders and mood disorders.  Mathematicians discussed include Gödel, Dirac, Hardy, Hadamard, Kovalevskaya, Poincare, and Gauss.

These topics, together with a succinct analysis of the great mathematical personalities of the past three centuries, combine to form an eclectic blend of story and scientific inquiry that will fascinate all those curious about how a mathematician’s mind really works. 

Michael Fitzgerald is a professor Child Psychiatry at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland.  www.professormichaelfitzgerald.eu.  This is his 16th book.  Ioan James is professor of mathematics at Oxford University and a Fellow of The Royal Society.  He is the author of seven books and over 100 research articles and an editor for the mathematical journal, Topology.

Price $30 / £20

Johns Hopkins University Press,

2715 North Charles Street,

Baltimore,

MD 21218 – 4319,

U.S.A.

 

 

Republic of Ireland & Northern Ireland:                       Orders from the UK, Continental

Robert Towers,                                                                   Europe, Africa, the Middle East

2 the Crescent,                                                                    & South Asia:

Monkstown,                                                                        John Wiley & Sons Ltd.,

Co. Dublin,                                                                         Distribution Centre,

Republic of Ireland.                                                            1 Oldlands Way,

Tel:  (01) 280 6532                                                              Bognor Regis,

Fax:  (01) 280 6020                                                             West Sussex,

Email:  rtowers@indigo.ie                                                  P.O. 22 9SA, U.K.


Handbook of Attention Deficit

Hyperactivity Disorder

Editors:  Michael Fitzgerald, Michael Gill, Mark Bellgrove.

2007.  Price £100 / €120.  ISBN 0-470-01444-x.  544 Pages.

This book focuses on child and adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.  It is the definitive reference book on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.  It has contributions from USA, Australia, Ireland, and the United Kingdom including Russell Schachar, Eric Taylor, Stephen Farone, F. Xavier Castellanos, Sam Goldstein, David Hay, Florence Levy and Mary Solanto. 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent disorder of childhood affecting approximately 5% of school-aged children and adults.  It is characterised by developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.  Despite its diagnostic validity, the disorder remains controversial with a great deal of misunderstanding among professionals and the public about the condition.

The Handbook of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a major clinical and research handbook presenting the latest research from those working at the cutting-edge of ADHD.  It covers a range of topics including neurobiology, psychopharmacology, educational and psychological aspects of ADHD and is a one-of-a-kind reference for anyone working or researching in this area.  It is the International Gold Standard Textbook on Child and Adult ADHD. 

John Wiley & Sons Ltd., Distribution Centre, 1 Oldlands Way, Bognor Regis,

West Sussex, P.O. 22 9SA, U.K.

Email to:  cs-books@wiley.co.uk

 

fitzi@iol.ie

www.professormichaelfitzgerald.eu

 

Asperger Syndrome – A Gift or a Curse?

Viktoria Lyons and Michael Fitzgerald

September  2005 -  ISBN 1594543879

Chapters on neuro-psychological theories of Autism and Asperger Syndrome including latest neurobiological research data, current interpretation of special gifts and assets of the condition plus the advancement of a new hypothesis of Asperger syndrome as a disorder of the social self are followed by an examination of the life histories of ten contemporary and historical figures who had Asperger Syndrome including

* The writers Patricia Highsmith, creator of ‘Mr. Ripley’ and Robert Walser, tragic and mysterious literary genius of 20th century German literature.

* Famous geniuses from the fields of science and philosophy including Charles Darwin and Bertrand Russell as well as the unknown child prodigy William James Sidis and gifted mathematician Kurt Gödel.

* The ‘cinematic messiah’ Stanley Kubrick, the sexologist Alfred Kinsey, the controversial politician Enoch Powell and animal lover Joy Adamson.

The profiles of these ten very different personalities give an insight into the diversity and complexity of Asperger Syndrome. Although the developmental trajectories are similar, the outcomes can be very different.  Asperger Syndrome – A Gift or a Curse? will prove a fascinating read not only for professionals in the field of autism and Asperger syndrome, but also for anybody interested in this condition and the link with creativity and outstanding ability.
 

NOVA SCIENCE PUBLISHERS, INC.

400 Oser Avenue, Suite 1600

Hauppauge, NY 11788-3619

USA

Tel. (631)-231-7269 Fax. (631)-231-8175

E-mail: novascience@Earthlink.net

www.novapublishers.com

 

PRESS RELEASE

Did You Know that Enoch Powell and Stanley Kubrick had Asperger Syndrome?
 

‘The price Newton had to pay for being a supreme intellect was that he was incapable of friendship, love, fatherhood, and many other desirable things. As a man he was a failure; as a monster he was superb’. Aldous Huxley about Sir Isaac Newton

Is it an advantage to have Asperger Syndrome? Is it an insurmountable burden? Or is it a difficult balancing act between both extremes? These are the questions the authors of Asperger Syndrome – A Gift or a Curse?  are examining. The life histories of ten prominent personalities from the world of literature, film, philosophy, mathematics, science and politics who had Asperger syndrome are analyzed against the backdrop of neuropsychological theories of autism/Asperger syndrome and current neurobiological research data.

Some of those individuals were very successful in their area of expertise and led fulfilling lives despite or because of their condition while for others life was a continuous struggle. For example, Charles Darwin, a loner and eccentric was one of the most influential and revolutionary scientists of all times. Enoch Powell, a man of enormous intellect, a workaholic and recluse, was a controversial and enigmatic figure of British politics. Both personalities had the support of their families. In contrast, the life of Bertrand Russell, foremost philosopher and mathematician of the 20th century was defined by solitariness, superiority, emotional coldness, search for a sense of self and deep unhappiness. 

Other historical and contemporary personalities figures examined retrospectively include the ‘cinematic messiah’ Stanley Kubrick, the American sexologist Alfred Kinsey, the eccentric crime writer Patricia Highsmith, the child prodigy William James Sidis, the tragic and mysterious Swiss writer Robert Walser, the animal lover Joy Adamson and gifted mathematician Kurt Gödel. The analysis illustrates the diversity and complexity of Asperger syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder which is sometimes associated with high intelligence and creativity and gives some insight why some people with Asperger syndrome excel in life while others struggle.

Note to Editors: Dr. Viktoria Lyons is neuropsychologist with special interest in the field of Autism/Asperger Syndrome. She was born in Germany and has been living in Ireland for more than twenty years. Professor Michael Fitzgerald is Henry Marsh Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Trinity College, Dublin. He is the author of over 120 publications and 14 books on Autism/Asperger Syndrome. Dr. Lyons, e-mail: viktorialyons@yahoo.co.uk and Professor Fitzgerald are available for interview + 353 86 8597547.

Asperger Syndrome – A Gift or a Curse? (ISBN 1-59454-387-9, $69 in hardcover) by NOVA Publishers Inc., 400 Oser Avenue, Suite 1600, Hauppauge, NY 11788-3619, USA. E-mail: novascience@Earthlink.net. Tel. 631-231-7269 Fax: 631-231-8175. www.novapublishers.com

PRESS RELEASE

 

Did You Know that Stanley Kubrick and Alfred Kinsey had Asperger Syndrome?

 

The price Newton had to pay for being a supreme intellect was that he was incapable of friendship, love, fatherhood, and many other desirable things. As a man he was a failure; as a monster he was superb’. Aldous Huxley about Sir Isaac Newton

Is it an advantage to have Asperger Syndrome? Is it an insurmountable burden? Or is it a difficult balancing act between both extremes? These are the questions the authors of Asperger Syndrome – A Gift or a Curse?  are examining. The life histories of ten prominent personalities from the world of literature, film, philosophy, mathematics, science and politics who had Asperger syndrome are analyzed against the backdrop of neuropsychological theories of autism/Asperger syndrome and current neurobiological research data. 

Some of those individuals were very successful in their area of expertise and led fulfilling lives despite or because of their condition while for others life was a continuous struggle. For example, the ‘cinematic messiah’ Stanley Kubrick, creator of masterpieces such as ‘Clockwork Orange’, ‘Lolita’ and ‘2001 – Space Odyssey’ a workaholic, recluse and perfectionist had a contented life and great family support. In contrast, the American Alfred Kinsey, scientist, researcher, sexologist, world famous for his reports on the sexual lives of American men had severe problems with his own sexuality and many other psychopathic features. Likewise the renowned American writer of crime fiction, Patricia Highsmith suffered from additional psychiatric disorders and led a life of loneliness and unhappiness defined by a desperate search for identity. Even more heartbreaking, the life of William James Sidis, child prodigy, mathematical genius and possibly America’s greatest brain who died at an early age alone and destitute, was an enormous tragedy.

Other historical and contemporary personalities figures examined retrospectively include the controversial British Politician Enoch Powell, the outstanding philosopher and mathematician Bertrand Russell, one of the most important scientists  of all times Charles Darwin, the tragic and mysterious Swiss writer Robert Walser, the animal lover Joy Adamson and the gifted mathematician Kurt Gödel. The analysis illustrates the diversity and complexity of Asperger syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder which is sometimes associated with high intelligence and creativity and gives some insight why some people with Asperger syndrome excel in life while others struggle.

Note to Editors: Dr. Viktoria Lyons is neuropsychologist with special interest in the field of Autism/Asperger Syndrome. She was born in Germany and has been living in Ireland for more than twenty years. Professor Michael Fitzgerald is Henry Marsh Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Trinity College, Dublin. He is the author of over 120 publications and 14 books.  Dr. Lyons (e-mail: viktorialyons@yahoo.co.uk) and Professor Fitzgerald Telephone: Int. 353 86 8597547 are available for interview.

Asperger Syndrome – A Gift or a Curse? (ISBN 1-59454-387-9, $69 in hardcover) by NOVA Publishers Inc., 400 Oser Avenue, Suite 1600, Hauppauge, NY 11788-3619. E-mail: novascience@Earthlink.net. Tel. 631-231-7269 Fax: 631-231-8175. www.novapublishers.com

 

Genes And The Economic Crisis 

New book looks at the risk takers who caused the financial meltdown

New book Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Creativity, Novelty Seeking, and Risk examines genetic aspects of financial risk takers with a perfect example Robert Maxwell and others.  It also looks at other risk takers in sport e.g. Malcolm and Donald Campbell and others.

Other creative risk takers in the book include Mark Twain, Jules Verne, Thomas Cochrane, Walter Raleigh, Ulysses Grant, Richard Wagner, Kurt Cobain, James Dean, Clark Gable, Jesse James, Picasso, Paul Gauguin, Che Guevara, and St. Augustine.

These people’s brains are wired in a different fashion because of the genetic abnormalities that they have.  These are seen in mountain climbers, great explorers, and the first Homo sapiens out of Africa

Literature And Creativity

Literature – The Role of Genetics, Novelty, and Risk Taking
A new book looks at the genetic, brain wiring, and personality traits of great writers.
It throws new light on the creative process from a brain biological point of view.
The book focuses on Oscar Wilde and Mark Twain.

Music And Creativity
 
New book examines the personality of the great composers from a genetic, brain wiring, and personality point of view.
 
It throws new light on musical creativity with particular reference to Richard Wagner, John Lennon, and Kurt Cobain.
 
The Political Brain
 
The Brain, Politicians, Risk Taking, and Novelty Seeking

A new book gives a new understanding of politicians, their brain wiring, genetic profiles, and personality traits.  It used a number of examples including Ulysses Grant, Che Guevara, and Walter Raleigh.

The Brain And Artistic Creativity
 
A new book examines artistic creativity from a brain wiring perspective, genetic perspective, and unique personality traits.  It uses as examples Oscar Wilde, Picasso, Paul Gauguin, and Robert Capa.
 
The Brain Of The Military Leader 
A new book gives a unique insight into the brains of military leaders.  It focuses on their unique brain wiring, genetic profiles, and personality traits.  This is illustrated with references to Che Guevara, Thomas Cochrane, Walter Raleigh and Ulysses Grant.
The Criminal Brain
A new book looks at the unusual wiring of the brain of the criminal as well as their genetic profile and personality traits.  It uses Jesse James and Walter Raleigh to illustrate these unique insights.

The Brain Of The Explorer
A new book examines the unusual wiring of the brain of explorers, their genetic profiles and personality traits.  To illustrate these new insights the explorers Wilfred Thesiger and Walter Raleigh are examined.
 
Title:           Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Creativity, Novelty Seeking and Risk.

The Brain Of A Feminist

A new book examines the unique brain wiring of a socially revolutionary feminist, as well as examining genetic factors and unique personality factors.  It focuses on the “first Lady Di” Lady Di Beauclerk.
Title:           Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Creativity, Novelty Seeking and Risk.

Copy of Book available from Nova Science or
Professor Michael Fitzgerald.


The Brain Of The Actor

A new book explores the abnormal wiring of the brain in great actors, as well as their unique genetic profiles, and personality traits.  It focuses particularly on Clark Gable and James Dean.
Title:           Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Creativity, Novelty Seeking and Risk.

Copy of Book available from Nova Science

Possible Review Article
Title:       Taking Risks.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Creativity,
Novelty Seeking, and Risk.
Michael Fitzgerald
Financial risk taking is one of the major pre-occupations of the global community at present.  A new book on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Creativity, Novelty, Seeking and Risk throws new light on this topic from a genetic and a personality point of view.
As always it is a case of multiple genes of small affect, environment, and culture interacting.  There are genes associated with novelty seeking, sensation seeking, and risk taking.  It has been people with these characteristics who have been the drivers or leaders of the catastrophic risk taking that has brought about the global recession.  The controllers or regulators of these people e.g. accountants, conservative banking people, risk managers failed in their job to control these risk takers.  Great success in any enterprise means that you need the risk taking leaders or innovators backed up by a cadre of more “plodding” careful people.  These two groups are vital for each other.  In the past when we were lead by the “plodders” society became stagnant, with no innovation and no growth.
The situation was equally damaging for our society.  What we have to learn from the current financial catastrophe is that we have to create a healthy balance between risk takers and excessively cautious fearful controllers.  Companies and governments have to continuously audit this balance.  If risk is reduced too much then you have the economic recession from stasis.
Not alone is there a genetic component to risk taking through for example “novelty seeking genes” associated with Dopamine a neurochemical associated with reward, risk taking, and novelty seeking are activities which give a surge of the neurochemical Dopamine into the brain which is rewarding.  Risk taking people tend to be hyperactive hence the association with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
We would still be in the cave in Africa without the kind of people I have just described.  These people, the explorers and risk takers led Homo sapiens out of Africa and to the ends of the earth.
This new book describes the best example of reckless financial risk taking – the example being Robert Maxwell a psychopathic risk taker.  His personal financial life story is not unlike the current global financial crisis.  He was highly successful financially for a long time until he grossly over extended himself and the Sunday Mirror noted that he “stole 526 million . . . (and was) a gigantic fraudster” according to Tom Bower’s book on Maxwell.  It is interesting that in the current crisis pension funds were again destroyed.
The issue is whether Homo sapiens have the capacity to turn from its mistakes in the long term.  I don’t think we have the capacity to learn in the long term.  We have a massive capacity to forget and to deny.  There is none so blind as the one who does not want to see.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Creativity, Novelty Seeking and Risk is published by Nova Scientific:  New York.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Creativity,
Novelty Seeking and Risk
Michael Fitzgerald
A new book called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Creativity, Novelty Seeking and Risk focuses on the positive aspects of ADHD.  It appears that there is an overlap between the genes for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and creativity.

Unfortunately psychiatry has focussed excessively on the deficit model of psychological problems.  I never received a lecture on creativity during my medical or psychiatric career.  The exclusive focus on the deficit model only increases patient’s hopelessness, family’s hopelessness, and greatly increased the continuing problem of stigma in psychiatry.  Despite the late Anthony Clare’s huge work in this area stigma remains a huge problem in psychiatry.
Indeed professionals involved with mental illness are the most fearful of it, which has the effect of increasing stigma.
From an evolutionary perspective persons with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder have contributed enormously to the development of the world, especially in the area of exploration and culture.  They have done this through novelty and sensation seeking characteristics of Homo sapiens.  These characteristics have genetic underpinnings associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.  Homo sapiens would not have moved out of the cave or out of Africa without persons with these characteristics leading the ‘pack’.  Indeed one might hypothesise that the leaders of the Irish groups who migrated out of Ireland during the famine had more of these novelty seeking, sensation seeking characteristics.  An example of the genetic polymorphisms involved here would be the Dopamine Receptor Variant, the D4-7 allele.  Recent research suggests that the distribution pattern of the D4-7 allele among world populations is similar to that of ancient migrating paths of our species.  An allele is an alternative form that exists of any single gene.  In this book examples of explorers would be Wilfred Thesiger who worked in Africa and the war criminal in Ireland who showed psychopathic tendencies Sir Walter Raleigh.  From a literary perspective Mark Twain is discussed and of course Huckleberry Finn is a classic of a book on a person with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and is one of the great American literary classics.  Musical explorers discussed in the book include Robert Wagner who had major traits of creative psychopathy as did Picasso, Paul Gauguin, and Peggy Guggenheim who had an affair with Samuel Beckett.  Another example would be Kurt Cobain the major pop singer and composer who became drug addicted and completed suicide which is not rare among people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.  If Kurt Cobain who was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in childhood had stayed on his Ritalin he may not have become a drug addicted.
Females can also be affected as was the first “Lady Di”.  Lady Di Beauclerk a societal transgressor, novelty seeker, and early feminist of the 18th century.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Creativity, Novelty Seeking and Risk has just been published by Nova Scientific, New York.


© 2006 AMF