The Autism Matrix

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology
Cover of the book The Autism Matrix by Gil Eyal, Wiley
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Gil Eyal ISBN: 9780745656403
Publisher: Wiley Publication: August 26, 2013
Imprint: Polity Language: English
Author: Gil Eyal
ISBN: 9780745656403
Publisher: Wiley
Publication: August 26, 2013
Imprint: Polity
Language: English

Today autism has become highly visible. Once you begin to look for it, you realize it is everywhere. Why? We all know the answer or think we do: there is an autism epidemic. And if it is an epidemic, then we know what must be done: lots of money must be thrown at it, detection centers must be established and explanations sought, so that the number of new cases can be brought down and the epidemic brought under control.

But can it really be so simple? This major new book offers a very different interpretation. The authors argue that the recent rise in autism should be understood an “aftershock” of the real earthquake, which was the deinstitutionalization of mental retardation in the mid-1970s. This entailed a radical transformation not only of the institutional matrix for dealing with developmental disorders of childhood, but also of the cultural lens through which we view them. It opened up a space for viewing and treating childhood disorders as neither mental illness nor mental retardation, neither curable nor incurable, but somewhere in-between. The authors show that where deinstitutionalization went the furthest, as in Scandinavia, UK and the “blue” states of the US, autism rates are also highest. Where it was absent or delayed, as in France, autism rates are low.

Combining a historical narrative with international comparison, The Autism Matrix offers a fresh and powerful analysis of a condition that affects many parents and children today.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Today autism has become highly visible. Once you begin to look for it, you realize it is everywhere. Why? We all know the answer or think we do: there is an autism epidemic. And if it is an epidemic, then we know what must be done: lots of money must be thrown at it, detection centers must be established and explanations sought, so that the number of new cases can be brought down and the epidemic brought under control.

But can it really be so simple? This major new book offers a very different interpretation. The authors argue that the recent rise in autism should be understood an “aftershock” of the real earthquake, which was the deinstitutionalization of mental retardation in the mid-1970s. This entailed a radical transformation not only of the institutional matrix for dealing with developmental disorders of childhood, but also of the cultural lens through which we view them. It opened up a space for viewing and treating childhood disorders as neither mental illness nor mental retardation, neither curable nor incurable, but somewhere in-between. The authors show that where deinstitutionalization went the furthest, as in Scandinavia, UK and the “blue” states of the US, autism rates are also highest. Where it was absent or delayed, as in France, autism rates are low.

Combining a historical narrative with international comparison, The Autism Matrix offers a fresh and powerful analysis of a condition that affects many parents and children today.

More books from Wiley

Cover of the book The End of Cheap China by Gil Eyal
Cover of the book Motherhood - Philosophy for Everyone by Gil Eyal
Cover of the book Fixed Income Securities by Gil Eyal
Cover of the book Deterministic Operations Research by Gil Eyal
Cover of the book Tools for Oceanography and Ecosystemic Modeling by Gil Eyal
Cover of the book Doc Holliday by Gil Eyal
Cover of the book Small Business Finance All-in-One For Dummies by Gil Eyal
Cover of the book InDesign CS5 For Dummies by Gil Eyal
Cover of the book Mandolin Exercises For Dummies by Gil Eyal
Cover of the book Brain Teasers For Dummies, Mini Edition by Gil Eyal
Cover of the book Corporate Sustainability by Gil Eyal
Cover of the book Using the Project Management Maturity Model by Gil Eyal
Cover of the book The Global Public Sphere by Gil Eyal
Cover of the book Million Dollar Consulting Toolkit by Gil Eyal
Cover of the book TASC For Dummies by Gil Eyal
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy