Switched On

John Elder Robison, an author with autism, documents his experience as a participant in a groundbreaking brain study at Harvard Medical School using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). The memoir follows his journey through the experimental treatment and its impact on his perception of emotions, relationships, and social connections. The book details the scientific aspects of TMS therapy while weaving in Robison's personal observations about how the treatment affected his daily interactions and understanding of the neurotypical world. His account includes both the immediate changes he experienced and the complex ways these alterations influenced his life and relationships over time. Through his narrative, Robison raises questions about identity, emotional awareness, and the nature of human consciousness. The book contributes to discussions about neurodiversity and the ethical implications of brain-altering treatments.

Readers found this memoir of TMS brain therapy to be thought-provoking, with many appreciating Robison's detailed account of how the experimental treatment impacted his emotions and social connections. Readers liked: - Clear, scientific explanations of complex neurological concepts - Raw honesty about both benefits and downsides of the treatment - Insights into autism from a first-person perspective Main criticisms: - Repetitive writing style - Too much focus on the author's achievements and status - Some readers felt the narrative wandered off topic Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (190+ ratings) "His description of suddenly understanding music on a deeper level was fascinating," noted one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads review countered that "the book gets bogged down in unnecessary details about cars and sound equipment." Several readers mentioned the book raised important questions about whether neurological differences should be "fixed" versus accepted.

Look Me in the Eye by John Elder Robison Earlier memoir by the same author detailing his life with undiagnosed Asperger's before the TMS treatments.

Born on a Blue Day by Daniel Tammet A savant with synesthesia and Asperger's describes his perception of numbers, words, and social connections.

The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge Case studies of neuroplasticity demonstrate how brain stimulation and new therapies transform cognitive function.

Thinking in Pictures by Temple Grandin A first-person account explains how autism shapes visual thinking and provides insights into neurodiversity.

The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks Clinical tales reveal the intersection of neurology and identity through cases of brain disorders and treatments.

🧠 The author became a sound engineer for KISS in the 1970s, designing their iconic special effects guitars, despite having no formal training ⚡ TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) uses magnetic pulses to activate specific regions of the brain and is now FDA-approved to treat depression and OCD 🔬 Robison was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome at age 40, after already having a successful career as an engineer and businessman 📚 The author is the older brother of Augusten Burroughs, who wrote the bestselling memoir "Running with Scissors" 🎓 Despite dropping out of high school, Robison later became an adjunct professor at Elms College, teaching about neurodiversity and working with students on the autism spectrum