

#269: The Forgotten History of Autism
Jan 12, 2017
Explore the forgotten history of autism research, debunk the popular myths surrounding autism, and gain insights on how to raise a child on the spectrum. Discover the early pioneers in autism research, their work being buried, and possible reasons behind it. Understand the misconceptions, mistreatment, and unethical practices throughout the history of autism. Gain tips on effectively working and interacting with autistic individuals and accessing resources for support and understanding.
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Misunderstood Rise in Autism Diagnoses
- Autism diagnosis rates rose sharply since the 1990s, but the cause was misunderstood.
- Media focus on vaccines overshadowed the history and broad understanding of autism.
Geek Families Reveal Autism Reality
- Silberman met two families of gifted technologists who both had autistic daughters.
- This spurred his interest in autism as more common than publicly recognized.
Autism Spectrum Explained Broadly
- Autism is a broad spectrum ranging from non-verbal individuals needing constant care to successful professionals.
- Core traits include difficulties in social interaction and intense specialized interests.