NeuroTribes: The legacy of autism and how to think smarter about people who think differently
Aug 2015 · Allen & Unwin
4.6star
19 reviews
Ebook
544
Pages
About this ebook
Winner of the Samuel Johnson Prize for Non-Fiction 2015
A New York Times bestseller
'NeuroTribes is a sweeping and penetrating history, presented with a rare sympathy and sensitivity... it will change how you think of autism.' - From the foreword by Oliver Sacks
What is autism: a devastating developmental disorder, a lifelong disability, or a naturally occurring form 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.
Following on from his ground breaking article 'The Geek Syndrome', Wired reporter Steve Silberman unearths the secret history of autism, long suppressed by the same clinicians who became famous for identifying it, and discovers why the number of diagnoses has soared in recent years.
Going back to the earliest 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 towards a more humane world in which people with learning differences have access to the resources they need to live happier and more meaningful lives.
He reveals the untold story of Hans Asperger, 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, accommodations in the workplace and education, and the right to self-determination for those with cognitive differences.
A New York Times bestseller
'NeuroTribes is a sweeping and penetrating history, presented with a rare sympathy and sensitivity... it will change how you think of autism.' - From the foreword by Oliver Sacks
What is autism: a devastating developmental disorder, a lifelong disability, or a naturally occurring form 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.
Following on from his ground breaking article 'The Geek Syndrome', Wired reporter Steve Silberman unearths the secret history of autism, long suppressed by the same clinicians who became famous for identifying it, and discovers why the number of diagnoses has soared in recent years.
Going back to the earliest 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 towards a more humane world in which people with learning differences have access to the resources they need to live happier and more meaningful lives.
He reveals the untold story of Hans Asperger, 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, accommodations in the workplace and education, and the right to self-determination for those with cognitive differences.
Ratings and reviews
4.6
19 reviews
Jill
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March 2, 2019
As lovely as this book is written, much as a fairytale, it remains a total farce to romanticize an epidemic. Autism is NOT a gift, nor a blessing ... let alone a natural step in our "evolution". Autism is vaccine injury, full stop.
Shona Cameron
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January 29, 2016
A brilliant book especially if it's in the family, gives an excellent insight into the history and I'm a firm believer of Neurodiversity. The world needs all kinds of minds.
2 people found this review helpful
Dave Townsend
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November 25, 2015
Brilliant. I haven't read a better book on Autistic people. I hope to encourage my 15 year old Aspire son to read this when he feels ready to. So much follow up reading to be done and We will definitely be looking into attending Autscape in the future.
2 people found this review helpful
About the author
STEVE SILBERMAN is an award-winning investigative reporter. His writing has appeared in The New Yorker, TIME, Nature, Wired and Salon.
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