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Daniel Tammet's autobiography "Born on a Blue Day" is an amazing story. Tammet suffered an epileptic seizure that nearly killed him at age four. He was also diagnosed in later years as having Asperger's Syndrome, which is a relatively mild form of autism. I say relatively, because although he manages to lead a productive and fairly independent life, it has been challenging at best.
The combination of the Asperger's and the epilepsy may have led to Tammet's extraordinary savant talents (think Rain Man). He can recite pi to over 20,000 decimals, and can learn languages in a week. "Born on a Blue Day" shows Tammet's unique view of numbers, which he sees as colors and shapes, and how they work.
He gives an interesting view of his personal life, as well, and shows the challenges of seeing the world in a different way. For example, when his teachers looked at him and said "3 times 5" he just sat there, unable to realize that the statement was actually a question. If they had asked, "What is 3 times 5?" he could have easily told the answer, but he couldn't make the connection between their words and their expected response.
He also struggled to read people's emotions, expressions, and body language, and had to work hard to form relationships. "Born on a Blue Day" is one of the best books I've read in a long time. Reading it leaves one more amazed with every turn of the page. Be sure to check out the links on YouTube to see Tammet and some other savants, including Kim Peek who was the real Rain Man. Don't miss this great book!