Neurotribes

The Legacy of Autism and How to Think Smarter About People Who Think Differently

By: Steve Silberman

Narrated by: William Hope

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 groundbreaking 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 casting light on the growing movement of 'neurodiversity' and mapping out a path towards a more humane world for people with learning differences.

©2016 Steve Silberman (P)2016 Audible, Ltd

Amazing!

If you're interested in knowing more about the history behind autism diagnosis and how autistic people contribute to our society and development, this is a must.
Lots of interesting information, what a work of research and structure to bring all of this together.
Pleasant to listen to.

The Best Book on Autism

If you want to understand Autism in depth and what you can do about it... this book is a must and sufficient read. The author has done an amazing service to Humanity with this book. God Bless Him!!!

A worthy listen

I listened to this audiobook in a couple of days. Very interesting. Definitely worthy of a listen. William Hope’s voice is easy to listen to.

An informative read.

Very detailed investigation and insight. I enjoyed the history ... enlightening regarding the damage to research and knowledge base caused by Nazi intervention. could have been a bit more concise to make it easier to follow.

So you think Autism is a recent invention?

A fascinating and thoroughly readable deep dive into the roots and history of autism through stories. Some stories made me angry - we have not always treated those who are different well - some made me laugh, some made me go 'ahh, that explains it'. I especially enjoyed the section on how those who have been diagnosed are taking ownership of the way autism is perceived and changing the focus from cure to support and community.
For most, this is a book to be read in sections overtime as it is a huge amount of information to process. The writing and the narration are both very easy to work with and not at all like listening to a text book. The author is a journalist after all.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who works with or knows someone or is on the spectrum.

Excellent research and storytelling

I found this book riveting. It's a story with ups and downs, spanning generations, with fabulous characters. It's tragic, funny, hopeful, enraging. It is very informative, and I trust the depth and range of the research. The writer has a position, but he gives everyone a fair hearing. I understand autism much better, and I want to find out more.

Comprehensive history of autism

The narrator is pleasant to listen to and the book is a detailed account of autism’s history and in my view as an adult late diagnosed as on the spectrum, a book that everyone who takes part in autism whether it be as clinician, parent, autistic, or researcher, should read.

Get to the point!!

An intro and two chapters in, i haven't figuered out what this book is about. Written around the lives of a number of persons, the author bores the reader with unnecessary personal details that you have no clue what it is all about. Stopped at the second chapter.