The Speed of Dark

infobox Book |
name = The Speed of Dark
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image_caption = Cover of first edition (paperback)
author = Elizabeth Moon
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country = United States
language = English
series =
genre = Science fiction novel
publisher = Orbit Books
release_date = 2002
english_release_date =
media_type = Print (Hardcover & Paperback)
pages =
isbn = ISBN 1-841-49141-1
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"The Speed of Dark" is a near-future science fiction novel by American author Elizabeth Moon, first published as a paperback in 2001. The story is told from the first person viewpoint of an autistic process analyst. It won the Nebula Award for Best Novel in 2003, and was also an Arthur C. Clarke Award finalist.

Plot summary

Lou is a bioinformatics specialist, and high-functioning autistic, who has made a good life for himself. A new manager at the firm where he works puts pressure on the department where many autistic people work. Lou is pressured to undergo an experimental treatment that might "cure" his autism. Lou does not think he needs curing, but he risks losing his job and other accommodations the company has put in place for its autistic employees.

Lou struggles with the idea of going through this "treatment" for his autism while he pursues fencing with "normal" friends and continues to go to work. His autistic friends, as well as himself, meet together after work and discuss what or what not to do.