Max Strong is a patent agent working for NASA. In 1967, he and his wife Jane learn that their first child, Jake, is autistic. Over the next five years, Max uses his knowledge of patents to solve problems, first for Jake and then for Jake's younger brother Tommy, who turns out to also be autistic.
Apollo Autism contains examples of:
- Baby's First Words: Jake finally says his first word, "Mama," when Jane brings baby Tommy home from the hospital a few months before Jake turns four.
- Bully Magnet: When Max was in school, he was constantly shoved and taunted by his classmates and was beaten up at least once. He's worried that the same thing will happen to Jake and Tommy.
- Homeschooled Kids: The Strongs start Jake off in a mainstream classroom, but when they find out his classmates are making fun of him and calling him Mr. Bungle (after a lunchroom manners video
shown in class), they decide to pull him out so Jane can teach him at home. - Imagine Spot: At the beginning of the book, Max spaces out during Jake's diagnosis as he imagines the take-off of Apollo 1, which is planned for next month.
- Jacob and Esau: Jake is closer to Max, while Tommy is inseparable from Jane.
- Sensory Overload: Max shares his sons' sensitivity to lights and noises. He notes that Jake is the first person he's ever met who reacts to bright lights the same way he does.
- Tantrum Throwing: When the family plays Mouse Trap, Tommy takes the game very seriously. He throws his yellow mouse whenever anyone steals his cheese.
- Tragic Keepsake: Jake's parents died in a car accident when he was twelve. He still has two of their favorite possessions, an angel figurine from his mother and a catcher's mask from his father.
