In a Different Key: The Story of Autism is a 2016 non-fiction book by John Donvan and Caren Zucker. It discusses the history of autism and autism advocacy, including issues such as the Refrigerator mother theory and the possibility of an autism epidemic.[1][2] Donald Triplett, the first person diagnosed with autism, and[3][4][5] psychiatrist Leo Kanner are also covered, as is the ongoing[6] debate concerning the neurodiversity movement, especially with respect to autistic people with more apparent support needs.[2]
 First edition | |
| Authors | John Donvan Caren Zucker |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Narrative nonfiction |
| Publisher | Broadway Books |
Publication date | January 19, 2016 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover) |
| Pages | 690 pp. |
| Awards | 2017 Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction finalist |
| ISBN | 978-0-307-98567-5 (Hardcover) |
Story
editThe book starts by focusing on Donald Triplett, the first recorded child to be diagnosed with autism. It discusses how he was treated and his family life. The book continues with the refrigerator mother theory, which claimed that parents were the main cause of autism. Leo Kanner and Bruno Bettelheim's role in the formation of this theory is examined, with emphasis on Kanner's position vis à vis the refrigerator mother. The authors discuss the importance of redefining the disorder so that more people with autism can receive treatment and improve their quality of life. After looking at the beginnings of modern autism research, how autism is defined, and whether the disorder is a benefit or a deficit, the authors close the book with discussion of the increase in public knowledge about autism, the MMR vaccine controversy, and the neurodiversity debate.[7]
Reception
editKirkus Reviews wrote that the book was compelling and well-researched, and the authors blended the search for treatment with the personal stories of various individuals.[8] Spectrum wrote that the book provided a meticulous, absorbing stepwise chronology of how the perception of autism changed from being unknown to being abhorred, then later accepted.[9] Ari Ne'eman has criticized the book for sympathizing with a parent who murdered their autistic child, and has claimed that the book misrepresents the neurodiversity movement.[10]
Awards
editIn a Different Key was a finalist for the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction, described by the reviewers as "a passionate work of advocacy that traces public perceptions about autism from chillingly cruel beginnings to a kinder but still troubling present."[11]
Adaptation
editIn a Different Key was adapted into a documentary in 2022.[12]
References
edit- ^ Groopman, Jerome (26 January 2016). "'In a Different Key: The Story of Autism,' by John Donvan and Caren Zucker". The New York Times. Retrieved 19 March 2017.
- ^ a b Siegel, Robert. "'In A Different Key' Traces History And Politics Of Autism". NPR.org. Retrieved 19 March 2017.
- ^ Baron, Saskia (17 January 2016). "In a Different Key: The Story of Autism by John Donvan and Caren Zucker – review". The Guardian. Retrieved 19 March 2017.
- ^ Miller, Laura (21 January 2016). "The Vindicated Parents". Slate. Retrieved 19 March 2017.
- ^ "BOOK EXCERPT: 'In a Different Key' by John Donvan and Caren Zucker". ABC News. 20 January 2016. Retrieved 19 March 2017.
- ^ Bauer, Ann (28 January 2016). "'In a Different Key': a cinematic, sweeping story of autism". The Washington Post. Retrieved 19 March 2017.
- ^ Donvan, John; Zucker, Caren (2016). In a Different Key: The Story of Autism. Crown. ISBN 9780307985675.
- ^ "IN A DIFFERENT KEY by John Donvan, Caren Zucker". Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved 19 March 2017.
- ^ Nuwer, Rachel (19 January 2016). "'In a Different Key' presents symphony of autism's history". Spectrum. Retrieved 19 March 2017.
- ^ Ne'eman, Ari (21 January 2016). "The errors — and revelations — in two major new books about autism". Vox. Retrieved 19 March 2017.
- ^ ""General Nonfiction"". www.pulitzer.org. Retrieved 12 April 2017.
- ^ "'In a Different Key' documentary shows the history of autism — in a personal way". 13 December 2022.