NeuroTribes

Reviews

“The monks who inscribed beautiful manuscripts during the Middle Ages, Cavendish an eighteenth century scientist who explained electricity, and many of the geeks in Silicon Valley are all on the autism spectrum. Silberman reviews the history of autism treatments from horrible blaming of parents to the modern positive neurodiversity movement. Essential reading for anyone interested in psychology.”

“A comprehensive history of the science and culture surrounding autism studies…an essential resource.”

“NeuroTribes is a sweeping and penetrating history, presented with a rare sympathy and sensitivity. It is fascinating reading; it will change how you think of autism, and it belongs, alongside the works of Temple Grandin and Clara Claiborne Park, on the bookshelf of anyone interested in autism and the workings of the human brain.”

“This gripping and heroic tale is a brilliant addition to the history of autism.”

“NeuroTribes is beautifully told, humanizing, important. It has earned its enthusiastic foreword from Oliver Sacks; it has found its place on the shelf next to Far From the Tree, Andrew Solomon’s landmark appreciation of neurological differences. At its heart is a plea for the world to make accommodations for those with autism, not the other way around, and for researchers and the public alike to focus on getting them the services they need. They are, to use Temple Grandin’s words, ‘different, not less.’ Better yet, indispensable: inseparably tied to innovation, showing us there are other ways to think and work and live.”

“Journalist Silberman devotes this thick, linear tome to the stunning evolution of the autism diagnosis from one that’s explicitly negative to something more ambiguous and even positive…The main point—that autism may persist because it can come with adaptive qualities—is well taken.”

“A well-researched, readable report on the treatment of autism that explores its history and proposes significant changes for its future.”

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