[6] Later chapters also further concern themselves with medical diagnosis of autism and how changes to the topic from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV to DSM-5 fail to properly explain the complete nature of the condition and the behavioral and interpersonal components of it beyond just the merely physiological.

[12] Nature journal editor Sara Abdulla notes how the book is more well-organized than Grandin's previous works thanks to the involvement of Panek's writing style, though laments that it loses some of her "unique voice".

[14] Booklist reviewer Henry Carrigan Jr. stated that, through the book, Grandin "revolutionizes our way of thinking about autism" and showcases that general labeling will never be effective and that each person needs to be diagnosed and treated as an individual.

[16] Melissa Bernstein and Erin Burch in the journal Reclaiming Children and Youth point out that The Autistic Brain gives "strength-based language with which to talk about autism" that helps to provide a "clear and cohesive message of consilience" across multiple scientific disciplines.

[18] New York Times reviewer David Dobbs found the book to be disappointing because of its focus on brain research and feels like Grandin tying her medical findings on herself into the topic took away "from the realms where she excels".