Adam Feinstein - A History of Autism: Conversations with the Pioneers

Praise for A History of Autism

No one has attempted to write the history of autism so comprehensively before. Adam Feinsteins highly readable but remarkably thorough book contains a treasure-trove of conversations with the scientists, clinicians, lobbyists, and parents who have shaped the development of autism in both research and policy. The timing of this book is opportune, as the pioneer generation becomes emeritus. History-telling is never wholly objective, but Feinstein (the science-writer, parent, and international conference organizer) is better placed than almost anyone to document the extraordinary changes that have happened to the autism community worldwide since the 1940s onwards. This book is an important contribution to the history of medicine and a unique resource for future generations who will build on their predecessors.

Simon Baron-Cohen, Director, Autism Research Centre, Cambridge University

The material in A History of Autism is selected and worded with such enthusiasm, such personal engagement, that it is contagious. I couldnt stop reading. This book is a monument; a milestone that we all owe to autisms history.

Theo Peeters, Centre for Training in Autism, Belgium

From the many years before Kanners 1943 description when the condition was known by other names, through all that has happened to the present time, along with a glimpse of the future, Feinstein explores the evolutionary journey of autism in an enlightened, educational, and entertaining fashion. Nowhere will you find a more comprehensive, carefully documented and eminently readable account of the history of autism than this book.

Darold A. Treffert, University of Wisconsin Medical School

Adam Feinstein provides an essential historical context for autism; one of the most contentious childhood diagnoses today. This is a grounding book for those ready to look beyond pet theories, magic bullets and treatment of the day. This book will navigate you beyond the idea of any one autism and leave you with the clarity, hope and opportunity for new directions inherent in that realization.

Donna Williams, author and autism consultant

Of interest to researchers, clinicians and parents, this volume provides a detailed perspective on the history of autism and related disorders. Writing from the perspective of a parent, Adam Feinstein brings the people and concepts vividly to life in this insightful and comprehensive book.

Fred R. Volkmar, Child Study Center Yale University

The field of autism has been in need of a solid historical account of the many changes since Kanner first coined the term autism in 1943, and Feinsteins book finally fills that gap. His novel approach of telling the story of autism through interviews with the pioneers, their associates, and their family members is creative and fascinating. What wonderful stories these people tell, how well the author passes the stories on, and what a terrific way to relate the history of the field.

Feinsteins deep understanding of the field leads to excellent questions and penetrating discussions. This wonderful combination will be irresistible to anyone interested in how the field got to where it is now and where it might be going.

Gary B. Mesibov, University of North Carolina School of Medicine

This book outlines, from an unusual point of view, the history of the development of the concept of the spectrum of autistic conditions. The authors account is brought to life in fascinating detail by his interviews with leading professionals (or their children who survive them), parents, and adults with autistic conditions. He reveals the controversies between professionals and the problems that still exist for families in different countries, as well as the progress that has been made. A book to be highly recommended to anyone with an interest in autism.

Lorna Wing, Honorary Consultant to the National Autistic Society, UK

Adam Feinsteins book is a valuable contribution to the autism literature. No other author has sought out the important scientific contributors to autism research; it is fascinating to read their current views, as well as a summary of their original contributions.

Susan E. Folstein, John P. Hussman Institute of Human Genomics

The story of autism only began remarkably recently. In this unique book you can listen to the voices of the opinion makers and learn what they thought about autism in times past and present. Pioneers who pushed the boundaries of knowledge since autism was first identified talk freely about their ideas and experiences.

Uta Frith, University College London

This edition first published 2010
2010 Adam Feinstein

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Feinstein, Adam, 1957

A history of autism : conversations with the pioneers/Adam Feinstein.

p.; cm.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 978-1-4051-8654-4 (hb : alk. paper) ISBN 978-1-4051-8653-7

(pb : alk. paper) 1. AutismHistory. I. Title.

[DNLM: 1. Autistic Disorder-history-Interview. 2. History, 20th CenturyInterview. WM 11.1 F299h 2010]

RC553.A88F45 2010

362.19685882-dc22

2010006818

For Johnny

Acknowledgments

First and foremost, I owe an immense debt of gratitude to Dame Stephanie Shirley. This book would not have been possible without her enormous generosity and support in financing my travels around the world to speak to the pioneers in the field of autism.