A History of Autism Conversations with the Pioneers

“Another fascinating book on autism. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the subject: those that have a person with autism in their family, professionals and academics, and anyone in general…. In my opinion, Feinstein has made a significant effort to be impartial, something that I am sure it has not been easy.” (Iautism, 2011)

“This is a comprehensive history, charting thinking, practice and theories from the late 1930s to the present day…. Recommended – a much-needed addition to the autism library.” (Communication Magazine, 1 April 2011)

“Recommended. Graduate students, researchers, professionals.” (Choice, 1 April 2011)

“Feinstein offers one of the first truly comprehensive overviews of the history of autism research…culminating with a discussion of the projected future of autism research. He interviewed dozens of researchers and prominent autistic people in several countries, in addition to consulting numerous primary sources to compile this authoritative text. Feinstein traces the condition from before it was known as autism through the present day, and in so doing, methodically dissects both the parental blame hysteria that gripped the 1980s and the explosion of autism awareness and controversy in the twenty-first century.” (Asperger’s Association of New England Journal, Fall/Winter 2010)

“This is a much needed book on the history of autism. What sets this book apart from the others is the description of the hypotheses about the disorder back when Dr. Kanner and Dr. Asperger were first writing about their unique discoveries. It provides readers with a much needed understanding of the disorder from the past as well as the present.” (Doody’s, September 2010)

“This book is more than a collection of facts; it’s also a detailed account of often-fierce controversy and professional rivalry…. Feinstein’s book is a fascinating and indispensable record of the journey so far.” (Special Children, 2010)

“In his History of Autism, Adam Feinstein has documented in an entertaining and yet exacting way, the evolving history of how our present-day ideas about autism reflect the personalities and interests of key individuals, who played critical roles in our understanding of this perplexing symptom complex. He has been to interview them, all over the world, and draws some fascinating responses to his questions. It is particularly pleasing that he managed to gather the material for his review before the most elderly among the pioneers passed away, as several have done within the past 2 or 3 years.” (Brain: A Journal of Neurology, 2011)