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coollibrarian's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
alexisrt's review against another edition
4.0
It's not entirely fair that I review this book without having reviewed NeuroTribes, a book with which it will inevitably be compared. I will have to leave it with saying that I greatly enjoyed NeuroTribes and it was one of my top books of 2015.
While In a Different Key has enjoyed positive reviews from the mainstream press, it's been received less enthusiastically by neurodiversity advocates, with one going so far as to title her review "I read [it] so you don't have to." I think that goes too far. While there is troubling language in this book (for example, readers are invited to sympathize with a father who killed his autistic son), the book adds to the history of autism. It does primarily focus on the families and researchers, and less (until the end of the book, and the initial chapters on Donald Triplett) the voices of those who are themselves autistic. As a definitive history, this is a flaw, but a great deal of the history is still enlightening and interesting. The approach is more of a survey than NeuroTribes, which focused more intensely on fewer topics. Some of the sins of tone are borne of a desire for "balance" and sympathy, even when this is not necessarily appropriate to the topic.
I would recommend tht people interested in the history of autism read both these books. NeuroTribes is more compelling as a story of autism, but In a Different Key fills in many gaps in people and chronology. The books also offer distinctly different characterizations of Hans Asperger, and readers may wish to decide for themselves.
While In a Different Key has enjoyed positive reviews from the mainstream press, it's been received less enthusiastically by neurodiversity advocates, with one going so far as to title her review "I read [it] so you don't have to." I think that goes too far. While there is troubling language in this book (for example, readers are invited to sympathize with a father who killed his autistic son), the book adds to the history of autism. It does primarily focus on the families and researchers, and less (until the end of the book, and the initial chapters on Donald Triplett) the voices of those who are themselves autistic. As a definitive history, this is a flaw, but a great deal of the history is still enlightening and interesting. The approach is more of a survey than NeuroTribes, which focused more intensely on fewer topics. Some of the sins of tone are borne of a desire for "balance" and sympathy, even when this is not necessarily appropriate to the topic.
I would recommend tht people interested in the history of autism read both these books. NeuroTribes is more compelling as a story of autism, but In a Different Key fills in many gaps in people and chronology. The books also offer distinctly different characterizations of Hans Asperger, and readers may wish to decide for themselves.
knmed's review
slow-paced
3.0
It was a bit too long. I know there was a lot to cover but it was hard to keep interest and some could have used an edit
stevenyenzer's review against another edition
4.0
Well-written and highly readable history. I appreciated Donvan's willingness to maintain neutrality on many autism controversies while coming down on the side of science when justified — i.e. vaccinations.
konradp's review against another edition
5.0
an in-depth history of autism: this book is long, well research and may seem a bit superfluous at times. nevertheless, it’s foundational to forego any preconceived notions or myths we may hold. If you’re in a hurry, skip to the last 3 chapters as they go over current developments.