Take a photo of a barcode or cover
29 reviews for:
Autism's False Prophets: Bad Science, Risky Medicine, and the Search for a Cure
Paul A. Offit
4.14 AVERAGE
29 reviews for:
Autism's False Prophets: Bad Science, Risky Medicine, and the Search for a Cure
Paul A. Offit
4.14 AVERAGE
Jest mi bardzo przykro, że ta książka nie wyszła po polsku. Opowieści o cudownych terapiach na autyzm i "odkryciach" Wakefielda to jedno. Ale dla polskiego czytelnika śledzącego tutejsze dyskusje o morderczych szczepionkach najciekawsze będzie odkrycie, że narracja "szlachetni ekorodzice kontra wielkie korporacje" jest fałszywa; że histerię antyszczepionkową rozkręcali bogaci prawnicy, czasem za publiczne pieniądze, wspomagani przez firmy PR, stosując taktyki zaczerpnięte z kampanii zacierania związku między paleniem a rakiem płuc czy denializmu klimatycznego.
I think every current or future parent should have to read this. The truth will set you free.
I was pleased with the following aspects of the book: Although largely justified in his other works Offit's language (never profane or vulgar mind you) and voice was less strong/outspoken in this one, Unlike Mnookin's The Panic Virus Offit doesn't stoop to the rhetorical devices that are both unnecessary and, at least for me and others that I've spoken with, also serve to undermine Mnookin's arguments, Offit tries to give the benefit of the doubt (under the auspice of sincere concern but without full understanding) to many of the individuals who have or still support theories that have been discredited, disproven, or lack substantiation.
Aspects I feel could be improved:
Although like Offit's other works (at least the ones I've read) he provides a large set of endnotes to support his claims, arguments, and ideas there are no in text indicators such as superscript or parenthetical insertions that show direct relationships between his text and the endnotes (I do not wish to count quotes and try to match them to his endnotes), I feel that many opportunities for additional discussion were not addressed such as the role of web 2.0 and self referencing or circular referencing phenomena, and I would have liked a larger selected biography for my own additional inquiry.
To be fair the above list is largely idiosyncratic and not indicative of poor writing.
Aspects I feel could be improved:
Although like Offit's other works (at least the ones I've read) he provides a large set of endnotes to support his claims, arguments, and ideas there are no in text indicators such as superscript or parenthetical insertions that show direct relationships between his text and the endnotes (I do not wish to count quotes and try to match them to his endnotes), I feel that many opportunities for additional discussion were not addressed such as the role of web 2.0 and self referencing or circular referencing phenomena, and I would have liked a larger selected biography for my own additional inquiry.
To be fair the above list is largely idiosyncratic and not indicative of poor writing.
Bom resumo do rolo todo que foi a campanha anti-vacinação. Sobre como vincularam autismo à vacina tríplice e depois ao timerosal. Vale pelo relato bem completo da publicação de Wakefield na Lancet. Mas achei o [b:The Panic Virus: A True Story of Medicine, Science, and Fear|9691004|The Panic Virus A True Story of Medicine, Science, and Fear|Seth Mnookin|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327881106s/9691004.jpg|14579109] mais completo, com exemplos de outros movimentos alternativos, e uma descrição melhor das consequências de não vacinar crianças.
As a momma to a special boy with autism this seemed like required reading. My second Offit book this month and I love the way his work is so accessible and written so well. Not at all what you would expect considering the heavy and scientific subject matter.
Word of warning, It’s a tough read, especially for parents of kiddos on the spectrum. I put it down at page five, bawling, and didn’t think I could keep going. Hearing about violence and experimental treatments against these precious kiddos is so hard to stomach. But it does get better and is definitely a must read. So much misinformation addressed and debunked with facts.
It was also hard to hear how some people refer to their own ASD children, but I felt it was balanced well by hearing from parents that see their kids as wonderful, beautiful people instead of damaged goods or a burden. Really glad to have read this one and highly recommend!
Word of warning, It’s a tough read, especially for parents of kiddos on the spectrum. I put it down at page five, bawling, and didn’t think I could keep going. Hearing about violence and experimental treatments against these precious kiddos is so hard to stomach. But it does get better and is definitely a must read. So much misinformation addressed and debunked with facts.
It was also hard to hear how some people refer to their own ASD children, but I felt it was balanced well by hearing from parents that see their kids as wonderful, beautiful people instead of damaged goods or a burden. Really glad to have read this one and highly recommend!
Well-written, compelling, and timely. Anyone interested in public health, children's health, or the state of science in the United States should read this. This is the book we've needed to clarify the issues surrounding autism and offer perspective and scientific honesty to those of us who cannot parse out the truth from scientific journals or google searches.
This is a close-to-home topic for me. I’ve spent many years working within the autistic community and I have an incredible appreciation for these kids (and adults!). It’s a devastating fact that children are still being exposed to dangerous treatments and procedures that proclaim a “cure” for autism. Parents with a little hope and a lot of money can purchase chelation therapy, dangerous drugs, expensive and restrictive diets, surgeries, and unproven alternative medications and therapies; all founded in bad science and myths about autism.
Whether out of love or desperation, this “curing” surge is a terrifying reality for those of us familiar with the actual scientific research on this topic. Andrew Wakefield began a horrific and largely unwarranted panic in 1998 when he claimed that he’d proven that the MMR vaccination caused autism. His research and ethics were largely discredited; he’d accepted large amounts of money from biased sources, his research was faulty and outrageously erroneous, and he deliberately and knowingly falsified resulting data when the outcome was undesirable for him. Unfortunately, this all was too little, too late. The media and political figures unflinchingly grasped this issue and ran with it; to the detriment and harm of thousands of children and families.
On a personal note, I sincerely hope that parents begin to realize how beautiful their children are. These amazing children are far from damaged, broken, soulless, empty, or any of the other cruel and unjustified labels that have so ruthlessly been tossed around in the midst of all this. Their talents, uniqueness, abilities, insight, and wonderful realities should be celebrated and encouraged. There is no known cause and no known cure for autism. This is when we find strength, clarity, and magnificence simply in the amazing little personalities that grace our lives.
Whether out of love or desperation, this “curing” surge is a terrifying reality for those of us familiar with the actual scientific research on this topic. Andrew Wakefield began a horrific and largely unwarranted panic in 1998 when he claimed that he’d proven that the MMR vaccination caused autism. His research and ethics were largely discredited; he’d accepted large amounts of money from biased sources, his research was faulty and outrageously erroneous, and he deliberately and knowingly falsified resulting data when the outcome was undesirable for him. Unfortunately, this all was too little, too late. The media and political figures unflinchingly grasped this issue and ran with it; to the detriment and harm of thousands of children and families.
On a personal note, I sincerely hope that parents begin to realize how beautiful their children are. These amazing children are far from damaged, broken, soulless, empty, or any of the other cruel and unjustified labels that have so ruthlessly been tossed around in the midst of all this. Their talents, uniqueness, abilities, insight, and wonderful realities should be celebrated and encouraged. There is no known cause and no known cure for autism. This is when we find strength, clarity, and magnificence simply in the amazing little personalities that grace our lives.
Absolutely one of the best scientific books I have read in years. It is engaging while informative and boldly tackles a topic that should raise far greater concern than it seems to do. I highly recommend this book, particularly to anyone who is contemplating whether or not to vaccinate a child.
Once again, another great book by Dr. Offit. I knew a little about the backstory of the whole vaccines cause autism thing, but this book goes deep into the controversy. I feel like this book should be given to any parent who is questioning whether or not to vaccinate their child.
I find it ironic that anti-vaxers say that by vaccinating your child you are feeding into big pharma's plan to make money off your child, but the whole reason this whole vaccine/autism thing started was because some jerk lawyer and doctor wanted to get rich. Everything that happened after was because people ( journalists, celebrities, so called doctors) were capitalizing on parent's fears to make money. There is a special place in hell for those morons.
I find it ironic that anti-vaxers say that by vaccinating your child you are feeding into big pharma's plan to make money off your child, but the whole reason this whole vaccine/autism thing started was because some jerk lawyer and doctor wanted to get rich. Everything that happened after was because people ( journalists, celebrities, so called doctors) were capitalizing on parent's fears to make money. There is a special place in hell for those morons.