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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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In a Different Key summary
John Donvan
Caren Zucker
The Story of Autism
16 mins
Brief summary
In a Different Key by John Donvan and Caren Zucker is a thorough history of autism, from earliest descriptions to current controversies.
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In a Different Key
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Key idea 1 of 6
The American medical community has a dark past when it comes to the mentally ill.
Different societies have had – and continue to have – different responses to mental illness. In fifteenth-century Russia, for instance, mental afflictions were thought to stem from the divine touch of God. The mentally ill were looked up to as holy fools and enjoyed the protection of their community.
This is quite different from how early twentieth-century American society viewed mental illness. A telling term – “mentally defective” – was used to describe the mentally ill, and the general consensus was to purge, not protect, these people.
The term “defective” was coined in 1902 and applied to anyone with any sort of cognitive abnormality: epilepsy, Down’s syndrome, traumatic brain injury or any other affliction of the brain. The general treatment for these people was to hide them away in institutions.
Despite its current negative connotations, “defective” wasn’t intended as a cruel or derogatory epithet; it was a purely clinical way of indicating abnormal functions.
Similar clinical terms were also introduced at this time. The term “idiot” meant that a patient had the mental capacity of someone under the age of three; “imbecile” denoted the mental equivalent of a child between the ages of three and seven; “moron,” the equivalent of a child between seven and ten.
Another unfortunate part of autism’s past was the eugenics movement.
Eugenicists believed that only the fittest people should breed. Anyone with a genetic or mental disability was seen as a social menace, capable of interfering with humanity’s pure lineage and thereby undermining its glorious future. Such a menace was best removed from the equation.
During the 1920s, this philosophy was quite popular among doctors and biologists – and even among politicians like Theodore Roosevelt. It was promoted in the classrooms of Harvard and Yale, in the pages of the New York Times and by social activists like Margaret Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood.
Around this time, 17 states ended up legalizing forced sterilization – and there were others that wanted to take it a step further.
In 1942, neurologist Robert Foster Kennedy wrote an article in the American Journal of Psychiatry that endorsed the “mercy killing” of what he called “nature’s mistakes.”
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What is In a Different Key about?
In a Different Key (2016) takes you on a journey through the history of autism, from the first diagnosis to the different and often conflicting opinions about how it should be treated. These blinks also show us that those with autism have a powerful and important voice and that, despite numerous complexities and many unsolved mysteries, there is hope for a more compassionate future.
In a Different Key Review
In a Different Key (2016) explores the history and impact of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on individuals and society. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Offers a comprehensive account of the evolution of understanding and treatment of ASD, allowing readers to gain deep insights into the complexity of the condition.
- Provides a humanistic perspective by sharing personal stories of individuals and their families, fostering empathy and understanding.
- Explores the societal challenges faced by those with ASD, shedding light on important issues such as education, employment, and social acceptance.
Who should read In a Different Key?
- People interested in human rights and public policy
- Specialists in child development and psychiatry
- Family and friends of people with autism
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In a Different Key FAQs
What is the main message of In a Different Key?
In a Different Key explores the history and impact of autism, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of those with autism and their families.
How long does it take to read In a Different Key?
The reading time for In a Different Key varies but typically takes several hours. With the Blinkist summary, you can grasp the key ideas in just 15 minutes.
Is In a Different Key a good book? Is it worth reading?
In a Different Key is an insightful and thought-provoking book, offering a deeper understanding of autism and its effects. It's definitely worth reading.
Who is the author of In a Different Key?
In a Different Key is written by John Donvan and Caren Zucker.
What to read after In a Different Key?
If you're wondering what to read next after In a Different Key, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- You Only Die Once by Jodi Wellman
- Supercoach by Michael Neill
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