NeuroTribes

The international bestselling history of autism. NeuroTribes up-ends conventional thinking about autism and suggests a broader model for acceptance, understanding, and full participation in society for people who think differently.

A New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller

Winner of the Samuel Johnson Prize for Non-Fiction

'NeuroTribes is a sweeping and penetrating history, presented with a rare sympathy and sensitivity... it will change how you think of autism.' from the foreword by Oliver Sacks

What is autism: a devastating developmental condition, a lifelong disability, or a naturally occurring form of cognitive difference akin to certain forms of genius? In truth, it is all of these things and more - and the future of our society depends on our understanding it.

Following on from his groundbreaking article 'The Geek Syndrome', Wired reporter Steve Silberman unearths the secret history of autism, long suppressed by the same clinicians who became famous for discovering it, and finds surprising answers to the crucial question of why the number of diagnoses has soared in recent years.

Going back to the earliest autism research and chronicling the brave and lonely journey of autistic people and their families through the decades, Silberman provides long-sought solutions to the autism puzzle while casting light on the growing neurodiversity movement and mapping out a path towards a more humane world for people with learning differences.

Includes a new foreword by John Elder Robison, author of Look Me in the Eye

'Explores in fascinating, near-encyclopedic depth how autism has evolved . . . a gripping narrative written with journalistic verve' - Guardian

'In this genuine page-turner, Steve Silberman reveals the untold history of autism . . .' - Benison O'Reilly, co-author of The Australian Autism Handbook

'Ambitious, meticulous and large-hearted history . . . NeuroTribes is beautifully told, humanizing, important.' The New York Times

'A sprawling and fascinating dissection of the role autism has played in shaping human history' - Daily Telegraph, Books of the Year

'Epic and often shocking . . . everyone with an interest in the history of science and medicine-how it has failed us, surprised us and benefited us-should read this book.' - Chicago Tribune