Marta's Reviews > NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity

Neurotribes is a groundbreaking book that for the first time gathers all the historical development of the discovery, theories, “treatment” and finally, an acceptance of autism as a neurological difference that is not a condition to be treated, but a state of being to be accepted and supported.

The history of autism ties in with the sordid history of mental illness in general: people institutionalized, bullied, mistreated. Dr. Asperger discovered in the thirties in Vienna that autistic children with remarkable abilities flourished when given individualized education in a way that engaged them. Yet his research was lost in the chaos and cruelty of Nazism and war that exterminated mentally ill people.

The biggest lasting damage done to autistic children and parents was the “refrigerator mother” theory, that blamed autism on the parents who were cold or overly involved. This resulted in the social isolation of parents with autistic children, as their friends shunned them for doing this to their children - especially if they would not give their children up into an institution that would “rescue” the child from them. Autistic children were considered imbeciles and were given no education, and removed from their home, often ended up catatonic, never learning to speak or taking care of themselves.

Autism was also considered a childhood disease. This was changed by the appearance of Temple Grandin, who was the first adult who admitted to be autistic and gave an insight into autistic thinking, and a path to a fulfilled adulthood, when given an education and opportunity. She also drew attention to her special abilities: she can simulate and test her machinery in her head, which none of her collegues can do.

Thankfully attitudes are changing, although there is a long way to go. We now recognize that autism is a spectrum, and that every autistic person is different. It is also becoming common knowledge that many of the brightest scientists, engineers, and computer programmers are, and were, on the spectrum somewhere, and their different way of thinking might have pushed humanity along. Furthermore, our society is becoming more reliant on these skills as computer technology, and a way of abstract thinking that comes with it, is taking an increasing role in our lives.

Thanks to the Disabilities Act, autistic children are no longer denied education. Parents have support groups and are discovering not just the challenges, but the unique opportunities autism presents. Autists are standing up for their rights and are raising awareness of their needs to be able to function in society.

There is a long way to go still. As a parent of a kid on the spectrum, I sincerely hope that our society learns to embrace neurodiversity, and recognize that certain individuals with social problems are not rude or lack empathy, they just don’t know how to navigate this world. We can help them. In return, they can help us in ways we are unable to see.