NeuroTribes

The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity

By: Steve Silberman

Narrated by: William Hughes

This New York Times bestseller 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 genius? In truth, it is both 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.

©2015 Steve Silberman (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Very enlightening

Overall excellent, however it was a little hard to follow with back and forth chronology.

Groundbreaking

The most comprehensive history of everything Autism. Heartache, victory, and frustration all rolled into one amazing book. There are human stories woven through statistics and science. Just brilliant.

Life changing, and extremely interesting book!

One of the most amazing books I've read. Very well written and broad in scope.

Exceptionally researched

Well written and researched. It gave me fantastic historical context and perspective on being a parent of a child on the spectrum

mandatory reading worldwide! please.

Educational, inspiring, revolutionizing. My perspective on autism is now forever changed. Explained in the most logical, practical and intelligent manner. I found myself re-reading chapters and shaking my head in accordance and disbelief constantly! I have cried and laughed feeling ever so enlightened. Thank you Mr Silverman.