NeuroTribes

Synopsis

NeuroTribes explores the history of autism, from before the diagnosis was defined, up to the growing modern concept of neurodiversity. It highlights historical scientists such as Henry Cavendish who display many of the signs psychologists associate with autism today. While autism was still an emerging concept, several important figures in the beginnings of the ham radio community, science fiction, and fandom as whole, were diagnosed as or suspected to be autistic. In the modern era, building off Silberman's earlier article "The Geek Syndrome", he discusses the frequency of autism and autistic-like traits in Silicon Valley.

The works and legacy of Hans Asperger and Leo Kanner, who both described autism near simultaneously, are compared. Silberman alleges that while Asperger recognized children as being individuals with unique talents, Kanner portrayed them in a much more negative light.

As knowledge of autism became more widespread, the view prevailed that it was a rare and debilitating disability. It is only more recently, in the past few decades, that this idea has opened up to more of a "spectrum" of symptoms. On the one hand this, along with other factors, has led to the fear among some that autism is overdiagnosed. On the other, it has made room for a wider community of autistic people. This community, along with family and other allies, advocated that autistic people could be happy, with much to offer the world, when given the resources and support they need.

Stories from those with a variety of symptoms and ages show other ways that autistic people have found enjoyable, healthy, and meaningful lives. The concept of neurodiversity, that differences in cognition are not necessarily pathological and offer strengths as well as weaknesses, is an important theme throughout the book.