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Autism

A Very Short Introduction

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About this listen

What causes autism? Is it a genetic disorder, or due to some unknown environmental hazard? Are we facing an autism epidemic? What are the main symptoms, and how does it relate to Asperger syndrome?

Everyone has heard of autism, but the disorder itself is little understood. It has captured the public imagination through films and novels portraying individuals with baffling combinations of disability and extraordinary talent, and yet the reality is that it often places a heavy burden on sufferers and their families.

This Very Short Introduction offers a clear statement on what is currently known about autism and Asperger syndrome. Explaining the vast array of different conditions that hide behind these two labels, and looking at symptoms from the full spectrum of autistic disorders, it explores the possible causes for the apparent rise in autism and also evaluates the links with neuroscience, psychology, brain development, genetics, and environmental causes including MMR and Thimerosal. This VSI also explores the psychology behind social impairment and savantism, and sheds light on what it is like to live inside the mind of the sufferer.

©2008 Uta Frith (P)2021 Tantor Developmental Psychology Mental Health Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Autism Special need Health
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This is a comprehensive overview of the scientific knowledge of autism 15 years ago. Whilst it will help given some grounding to the scientifically inclined person, it would be harder to follow for the lay person who is not trained in a compatible discipline.
It is also, frustratingly, out of date. 15 years out kf date is very significant for such a new discipline. Asperger syndrome no longer has exists and that is not the only part that is outdated. Please review and publish a new edition.
It is short and helpful ad an introduction nonetheless.

Good but needs update

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the language used in this book is awful. I don't think the author had thought to read it back and wonder how she would feel if she was autistic, hearing her so-called expert options about them. it borders on contempt. yuk

this author doesn't like autistic people.

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