Autism

Reviews / Votes

"Mitzi's revised edition of Autism: A Social and Medical History is scholarly, accessible, timely and thoroughly researched and updated. Discussion of the historical context is invaluable to assist in our understanding of, often alarming, ways in which society has responded to autism over time, but it is the inclusion of autistic voices which is most illuminating and helpful for readers seeking to understand autism from the perspectives of autistic people. These influential perspectives signal progress from ubiquitous and often damaging clinical approaches, which medicalise and pathologise autism, towards listening to autistic people about their own lived experience in order to understand ways in which society could be more inclusive. Mitzi has a long history of collaborating with autistic colleagues and her approach in this book is testament to her allyship and ability to really listen, understand and contribute to informed societal change. Mitzi makes the point that autism researchers really need to understand the priorities of autistic people and this book, which is compulsory reading for MA Education-Autism students at London South Bank University, would certainly help in this regard." (Nicola Martin, School of Law and Social Sciences, London South Bank University, UK)