Eyewitness to Autism: A Personal Account of the Field's Most Historic and Controversial Moments [9781963367799]

Overview

Eyewitness to Autism is a revealing and often provocative account of the autism field written by a researcher who has spent 50 years at the center of many of its most important developments. Drawing on firsthand experiences with pioneering researchers, autistic individuals, families, clinicians, and advocates, the book takes readers behind the scenes of historic discoveries, scientific controversies, political battles, and paradigm-shifting ideas that have shaped our understanding of autism.

Unique features include:

• A rare insider perspective from a researcher who worked directly with many of its most influential figures, including Drs. Bernard Rimland, Ivar Lovaas, Temple Grandin, Margaret Bauman, Robert Hendren, Ted Carr, and numerous other pioneers.
• Reveals little-known stories, private conversations, and behind-the-scenes events that have never before been shared publicly, offering readers an unprecedented look at how major discoveries, controversies, and turning points unfolded.
• Challenges many of the accepted narratives surrounding autism by examining controversial issues through the eyes of someone who witnessed them firsthand, encouraging readers to reconsider the history of autism research, the search for causes, treatment approaches, advocacy movements, and where the field may be headed in the future.