Authors’ Note

The reception to The Question of the Missing Head was really overwhelming in many ways, not the least of which was hearing from families of people dealing with autism spectrum disorders and from some of the Aspies and others on the spectrum themselves. It is a humbling experience to get your emails, and we appreciate all the comments (even the somewhat testy ones). We try to present as accurate a picture as we can, but we know perfection is impossible, certainly in our hands. We’re going to drop the ball every now and then. Your letting us know when that happens helps ensure it will not recur.

Some of the stories we’ve been told and messages we’ve received have touched us beyond our meager powers to convey. Suffice it to say that we are happy and privileged to be on the almost-front lines with you. The battle for understanding goes on.

There are always thanks when a book is finished, and this is no exception. Even two authors can’t do it alone. First, E.J. would like to thank Jeff for toning down the corniness for a bit, and Jeff would like to thank E.J. for letting Samuel go on a date.

But enough about us.

Thanks to the indispensible D. P. Lyle for Reglan, which was exactly what we needed. When you need a poison, always go to a licensed physician.

For guiding us through, we as always appreciate the amazing work of Terri Bischoff and Nicole Nugent at Midnight Ink. Thanks for taking something barely comprehensible and turning into something … comprehensible. It’s nice to be treated like people and not word machines. Because we’re pretty sure we’re people.

Naturally, huge thank-yous to Josh Getzler, Danielle Burby, and everyone at HSG Agency not only for getting Samuel to Terri’s attention, but for introducing him to the world! Samuel is now available in a variety of languages in a variety of countries, and that’s because of you. Thank goodness Josh lives in a convenient apartment building in Manhattan, or none of this might ever have happened. So thanks to Chris Grabenstein.

To all who have read any of our books ever, we are astonished by you. Yeah, we know how that sounds, but the idea that someone other than close friends and family actually chooses to pick up our work and read it is an honor we do not take lightly. Thank you from the bottoms of our hearts.

—Jeff Cohen and E.J. Copperman

In the darkest corners of New Jersey

June 2015