A New York Times bestsellerWinner of the 2015 Samuel Johnson Prize for non-fictionA groundbreaking book that upends conventional thinking about autism and suggests a broader model for acceptance, understanding, and full participation in society for people who think differently. What is autism? A lifelong disability, or a naturally occurring form of cognitive difference akin to certain forms of … cognitive difference akin to certain forms of genius? In truth, it is all of these things and more—and the future of our society depends on our understanding it. WIRED reporter Steve Silberman unearths the secret history of autism, long suppressed by the same clinicians who became famous for discovering it, and finds surprising answers to the crucial question of why the number of diagnoses has soared in recent years.
Going back to the earliest days of autism research and chronicling the brave and lonely journey of autistic people and their families through the decades, Silberman provides long-sought solutions to the autism puzzle, while mapping out a path for our society toward a more humane world in which people with learning differences and those who love them have access to the resources they need to live happier, healthier, more secure, and more meaningful lives.
Along the way, he reveals the untold story of Hans Asperger, the father of Asperger’s syndrome, whose “little professors” were targeted by the darkest social-engineering experiment in human history; exposes the covert campaign by child psychiatrist Leo Kanner to suppress knowledge of the autism spectrum for fifty years; and casts light on the growing movement of “neurodiversity” activists seeking respect, support, technological innovation, accommodations in the workplace and in education, and the right to self-determination for those with cognitive differences.
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At long last, a book about autism discussing autistic adults, including those of us who don’t fit the narrow age range (children and teens), physical appearance, and socio-economic stereotypes of autistics. Not all of us were diagnosed as children because of these stereotypes and biases.
I highly recommend Silberman’s Neurotribes because he discusses the realities of daily life that autistic adults contend with and exposes the stereotypes noted above in great detail and with page-turner style.
We aren’t all white, suburban, well-to-do/middle-class, nor do we all have college-educated parents. Silberman exposes this humbug stereotype and many more.
[For the record, autism seems to be more prevalent nowadays mainly because it wasn’t even a separate diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) until DSM-3 in 1993. And yes, Asperger’s syndrome is indeed autism, included in the single 299.00 diagnosis code of DSM-5. Hence, separate statistics weren’t kept about autism in particular until many years after those of us Baby Boomers graduated high school.]
A superb telling of how modern understanding of autism and Asperger’s Syndrome developed from it’s earliest roots a century ago.
A rich and satisfying read that still left me wanting to learn more. Packed with information about the history of autism and the individuals involved, some of it is upsetting but all told with compassion ultimately I found this a hopeful read,
Provides both historical and contemporary perspectives of approaches to neurodiversity. A must read for anyone interested in the autism spectrum.
It really puts the world in perspective for people who are autistic.
VERY long and detailed, informative. Great knowledge for someone new to this subject. Did not take any one of many adjendas. If I were to meet someone in this field, I could probably speak with them intelligently.
Very helpful in understanding people with autism and how the rest of the world reacts to them.
It is fascinating. Just too long. Needed good editing. Very good research.
This book came highly recommended by a friend who is autistic. As well, autism is in my family, and I wanted to gain a better understanding not just of my loved ones, but also the society that misunderstands them. NeuroTribes delivers with a comprehensive history of how autism came to be noticed, researched, and miscalculated. While I wish the current day discussion had been as deeply discussed as the history, Silberman’s style is thoughtful and engaging, and provides the needed context to today’s autism activism especially from autistic people themselves.
Mostly History with a dash of future. I am Autistic, and this look at the history of my people was more fascinating and horrifying than even I already knew. In this book, Silberman shows several people from history that were fairly clearly Autistic, progressing from early accounts to newest and from there into the histories of the two men that “co-discovered” Autism in the 20th century. The vast bulk of the book is spent inside the 20th century, with only the last chapter or two in the 21st, but even then it truly is fascinating and horrifying. Absolutely recommended for all, particularly those with Autistics in their lives.
History of Austin’s diagnosis and treatments
I found this book to be fascinating, stunning and eye-opening. It gave me a whole new perspective about everything we went through from his diagnosis to the present. I have a lot more optimism about my son’s future now.
I read about 100 books a year and I star about 10-15 of them. This one got a star because I learned so much and feel more connected to family and friends. However the writing style was difficult and didn’t flow easily. I kept getting lost in time and I felt like it jumped around too much. Not enough info on the present and specifics on how neuro atypical people want to integrate into society.
this made me look at my son’s autism in a completely different light. I highly recommend this book
Wasn’t what I expected. Wasn’t able to get through the first part .
Read only the sample and was disappointed by the historical backgrounds provided. Not what I expected. Maybe if I had continued to read the entire book, it might have been fascinating. With autism in the family, I had hoped to learn more about it with the history lesson.
eye-opening!! different viewpoints!!