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The Science and Fiction of Autism
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The Science and Fiction of Autism
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by Laura Schreibman
Sales Rank : 202407
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Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Harvard University Press; 1 edition September 30, 2007
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0674025695
ISBN-13: 978-0674025691
Product Dimensions:
8.2 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
From Publishers Weekly
One of the tragedies of autism is that, as Schreibman writes, "[t]he field is littered with the debris of dead ends, crushed hopes, ineffective treatments, and false starts." Drawing from her own extensive clinical experience, psychologist Schreibman, director of the Autism Research Program at UC–San Diego, provides a comprehensive account of this mysterious disorder within the context of the controversies and contentions of the field. Arguing that autism is entirely biological in origin, Schreibman systematically discounts past and present popular causal theories, such as "refrigerator mothers" and the measles/mumps/rubella vaccine. Although expertly guiding readers through a detailed analysis of characteristics, diagnosis and treatment, Schreibman never forgets to illuminate the human side of autism. The disturbing, and often tragic, impact of simplistic and unsubstantiated treatments, like facilitated communication, secretin and holding therapy, serve as evidence that "bad science can lead to as much mischief as no science." It reminds parents that, despite how far researchers have come, it will take years of research to fully understand the biology of autism. This book is strongly recommended for parents and professionals dealing with this debilitating illness. (Nov.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Product Review
[Schreibman] provides a comprehensive account of this mysterious disorder within the context of the controversies and contentions of the fieldAlthough expertly guiding readers through a detailed analysis of characteristics, diagnosis and treatment, Schreibman never forgets to illuminate the human side of autismThis book is strongly recommended for parents and professionals dealing with this debilitating illness. (Publishers Weekly 20060601)
Schreibman has written a solid if conservative book outlining our current understanding of and misperceptions about the causes and treatments of autism.
--Corey Seeman (Library Journal )
[Schreibman] provides a comprehensive account of controversies in the field of autismHer approach is refreshingly undogmatic and pragmatic, emphasizing the importance of applying theory flexibly in relation to the particular needs and circumstances of the childIf Schreibman's book encourages both parents and professionals to adopt a more critical approach towards [campaigns by some parents promoting unorthodox biomedical theories and treatments], this will protect families from further 'crushed hopes, ineffective treatments and false starts.' It will also help to restore appropriate boundaries between parents and professionals. It may therefore make an important contribution to the welfare of children in general, and those with autism in particular.
--Michael Fitzpatrick (Nature )
For anyone wading through the sea of misinformation and conflicting reports swirling around autistic disorder, this book is a lifesaver. The author takes each controversy and scientifically breaks it down into what's proven, what's promising, what's unlikely, and what's just plain false. Further, it teaches the reader how to do the same thing--to critically evaluate the myriad claims surrounding this mysterious and devastating disorder.
--Kristin Taveira (Newsday )
For anyone close to an autistic person who wants to learn about the problem, this is almost certainly the best available manualSchreibman describes pretty much every current approach to autism, and examines how well supported by evidence each proposed theory is, and how well each therapy works. There is no better straightforward source of answers than this book.
--Ian Hacking (London Review of Books )
Autism--its etiology and its treatment--has been, and continues to be, a subject of debate in several professions, and here Schreibman explains the controversies and the science behind themShe covers diagnosis, assessment, etiology, core deficits, and treatment, introducing readers to past and current thinking. The reference list, organized by chapter, will be a valuable resource for those who want to further their knowledge of autism. Schreibman's approach to this controversial disorder is refreshing, and her book will serve an audience ranging from professionals to those just learning about autism.
--M. Thornton (Choice )
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