Simon Lynch (Simple Simon)

Simon Lynch is a main character in the thriller novel Simple Simon by Ryne Douglas Pearson.

Biography
Simon is a 16-year-old boy who cracks a government code.

Autism
Simon is stated to be autistic within the novel. His parents initially thought he had an intellectual disability. He often uses echolalia. He carries around a bunch of cards with important information, such as a list of friends (people who can be trusted), instructions for taking the bus, instructions for going to the basement when there's too much noise, etc.

Most relevant to the plot are his extreme affinity for puzzles, calculations and numerical patterns. He can solve a 500-piece puzzle face-down within 25 seconds. He cracks an enormously complex code developed by the US government within minutes in his head.

Adaptations
The novel was adapted into a movie in 1998, titled Mercury Rising. It features Miko Hughes as Simon.