The Myth of Autism cover art

The Myth of Autism

How a Misunderstood Epidemic Is Destroying Our Children

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The Myth of Autism

By: Dr. Michael Goldberg, Elyse Goldberg
Narrated by: Clinton Wade
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About this listen

Everyone seems to agree that we have an epidemic of what is diagnosed as autism. But, in the history of our society, there has never been "an epidemic" of any developmental or genetic disorder. Yet, over the span of 30 years, autism has gone from affecting one in 5,000 children to one in 90, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So what is this "autism", which has come to affect the lives of so many? In this groundbreaking book, Dr. Goldberg and his colleagues illustrate why autism must be a symptom of a treatable, neurological disease that attacks the brain’s immune system.

Through Goldberg’s personal anecdotes, case studies, and original research, you will come to understand that autism is:

  • Not psychological or developmental—it is a medical disease.
  • Caused by a dysfunction in the neuro–immune system. Similar to ADD/ADHD and chronic fatigue in that they all have different "labels" but are variations on the same thing: neuro-immune dysfunction.

In order to save children from the disease and social stigma of autism, Dr. Goldberg unpacks the myth behind the illness and provides a wealth of diagnostic and treatment information that will transform your own life and the lives of those around you.

©2011 Dr. Michael J.Goldberg (P)2012 Audible, Inc. Brain & Nervous System Children's Health Fatherhood Mental Health Motherhood Parenting & Families Physical Illness & Disease Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships Autism Special need Health Genetic Disease Medicine Human Brain Autism Parenting

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Editor reviews

Students of popular science and parents of autistic children will want to hear The Myth of Autism: How a Misunderstood Epidemic is Destroying Our Children, by Dr. Michael Goldberg (with Elyse Goldberg). Dr. Goldberg, a practicing doctor with decades of experience, challenges many of the most commonly held assumptions about this increasingly visible condition. Among Dr. Goldberg's theses is the idea that autism, correctly understood, is not a condition at all but a disease that can be treated with diet and medication. Narrator Clinton Wade gives a clear and measured reading of the research and experience Dr. Goldberg relies upon to make this controversial claim. While occasionally daunting to the lay-listener, The Myth of Autism is nevertheless filled with fascinating and unorthodox ideas.
All stars
Most relevant  
Based on 0 factual evidence and incredibly damaging to autistic people and the autistic community.

Would give 0 stars if I could.

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No Neurodevelopmental Consultant in the UK or USA would agree with the content of this book.
It is blatant misinformation. It is hurtful to people with an autism diagnosis and confusing to parents and family of people with a recent diagnosis who are looking for extra information from "so called" experts.

Even more extreme Psychologists who might doubt the existence of ADHD and believe it to be "only'an artifact of some childhood trauma, would at least accept autism as a real physical syndrome with recognisable characteristics.

I am surprised that Amazon are willing to publish such an unhelpful book. If the myth that autism isn't real continues to circulate, kids will continue not to receive the additional support they need at school. Parents will continue to be told that they are making a fuss about nothing. There will be enormous stress added to they lives of people who are already struggling and a rise in depression, broken homes and potentially even suicides.

Spreading lies about sensitive health conditions as a way to make a profit is evil. Its a new low that Amazon have reached and I'll be complaining to as many authorities as I can to highlight Amazon's thoughtless, disgraceful behaviour.

Misinformation

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It's not a disease, its fundamental to everythjng that makes me me and makes me proud to be me. Being autistic has made me able to understand and ride formally 'unridable' horses or create unique equine sculpture that is in huge demand across the world, and see patterns and how they will play out way before others do. What other disease does that?! I become way less overwhelmed when I'm healthy and avoid autoimmune and stress triggers , but no less autistic. If anything my real autistic self, unique talents and perceptual abilities rooted in autism shine more strongly.

Who I am is not a disease!

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Where to start?

Complete nonsense. No scientific backing. Harmful. Preying on fears of parents of newly diagnosed autistic children.

Want to know how to help your kids? Talk to the adult autistic community not someone profiting from seeling snake oil.

This book has the potential to do great harm if anyone clueless enough about autism reads it.

I'm incredibly saddened that an organisation as respected as this is selling such a book. The author should be ashamed of themselves. Please don't support them by buying this crap. Choose a book published by an autistic person or respected professional instead. There are plenty.

Crappy pseudoscience, offensive & harmful.

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Dangerous misinformation. Truly heartbreaking to listen to. I do wish that people who are interested in the autistic experience seek knowledge somewhere else and listen to actually autistic people. There is no point in finding treatment for something that is not a disease. Autism is to be embraced, not cured.

Ableist

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This is the most ableist nonsense I’ve ever heard. Disregards almost 99% of current research.

Ableist nonsense

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Not sure if dated or just willfully wrong, but this is a very bad and flawed take on autism.

Utter nonsense

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If the book calling autism a ‘disease’ isnt enough to deter you from this nonsense, know that it is extremely anecdotal and ableist. The true myth if autism is the perpetuation of its supposed cure. This book is not groundbreaking or helpful, there’s only misinformation and harm to be found in it.

Not worth the time

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Do not read !! This is absolute nonsense and dangerously misleading. If you want to find out about autism this is not the book for you.
From a parent of an autistic child, this is frankly offensive and hurtful. I only had to listen for a few minutes to hear it being described as a ‘disease’ that occurs after birth. Just no. I didn’t listen any further.

Absolutely awful!

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This was shocking. As an adult with autism and a teacher with current training in autistic teaching pedagogy this troubled me immensely. Not only is it based on vague anecdotal observations from a privileged neurotypical position, it asserts a somewhat passive aggressive position of eliminating autism (and by implication driving autistic people to mask to be seen as ‘cured’). The science is thin and ludicrously dated, cherry picked at best even then. Frankly, this is the kind of pseudo science that enables dictators to engage in genetic extermination programmes. I felt like I was listening to some tosh from the 1930s. Shameful in my opinion. It’s time for better.

Dangerous and misinformed

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