Paula Xiberras
The legacy of autism and how to think smarter about people who think differently
Steve Silberman
‘NeuroTribes is a sweeping and penetrating history, presented with a rare sympathy and sensitivity…it will change how you think of autism.’ – Oliver Sacks M.D, neurologist, best-selling author of The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat What is autism: a devastating developmental condition, 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 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 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. Steve Silberman upends conventional thinking about autism and suggests a broader model for acceptance, understanding, and full participation in society for people who think differently.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Steve Silberman is an award-winning investigative reporter and has covered science and cultural affairs for Wired and other major magazines for more than twenty years. His writing has appeared in The New Yorker, TIME, Nature and Salon. His recent TED Talk on autism is fast nearing 1 million views http://www.ted.com/talks/steve_silberman_the_forgotten_history_of_autism?language=en
PUBLISHED: 26TH August 2015 IMPRINT: Allen & Unwin
CATEGORY: Current Affairs RRP: $35.00 PB: 544pp EBOOK: Yes
