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Waging War on the Autistic Child: The Arizona 5 and the Legacy of Baron von Munchausen
As the number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders grows each year, new discoveries and controversies arise. Andrew Wakefield explores many of these in his thorough investigation of the recent trial case of the “Arizona 5,” which destroyed an Arizona family. Two parents, with five children on the spectrum, were accused of Münchausen syndrome by proxy—a rare form of child abuse—and were ganged up on by physicians, child protective services, and the courts, who alleged that the parents fabricated medical symptoms in all five children. However, Wakefield now presents ample evidence that was disregarded and which would have proven the parents’ innocence.
Families affected by autism suffer great hardship and prejudice, particularly as they navigate the uncertain waters of diagnosis, treatment, and education. The shocking story of the Arizona 5 family delves into the tremendous challenges some parents have to face, especially if their views on how to treat the syndrome don’t align with the medical world’s standards. Wakefield also includes numerous studies and research trials that support the controversial yet significant roles that vaccines and diet play in autism, factors many medical professionals wrongfully dismiss.
Families affected by autism suffer great hardship and prejudice, particularly as they navigate the uncertain waters of diagnosis, treatment, and education. The shocking story of the Arizona 5 family delves into the tremendous challenges some parents have to face, especially if their views on how to treat the syndrome don’t align with the medical world’s standards. Wakefield also includes numerous studies and research trials that support the controversial yet significant roles that vaccines and diet play in autism, factors many medical professionals wrongfully dismiss.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published April 15, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 15, 2015
This book was completely different than I expected. Let's just say I am grateful that I got this book at a dirt cheap price. The book is supposed to be about a family in Arizona who had their children taken away by social services because the courts claimed that the constant medical care the parents sought for their five autistic children was excessive, and the parents were then diagnosed (falsely, if you ask the author) with Munchausen by Proxy disorder.
The book was written by Andrew Wakefield. Up until recently, he was "Dr" Andrew Wakefield, a doctor of gastroenterology, but his questionable medical research practices and publications caused the Medical board to revoke his license. This says something about the author. It also says something that the quotes on the cover of his book, the ones praising his writing, are by people like Jenny McCarthy. I should've known better. I tried not to hold a bias, even though Wakefield is in the "anti vaccine" camp. I was unsuccessful. I couldn't finish the book because of all of the "anti MMR vaccine" rhetoric he was spewing.
Wakefield's book is extremely scientific. There are a lot of statistics and a lot of research that are very wordy for a layperson like me to understand. I am not a doctor and don't have the training, so I am not going to challenge Wakefield or his colleagues on their findings. Some of his findings on the effects of GI upset and mood and behaviour made sense. As a sufferer of a GI disorder, I know how much having a stomach that is "uncooperative" can set you off in every way. And children with ASD have tendencies to show GI troubles and food sensitivities, so this connection initially made sense to me.
Wakefield is very extremist in his views about autism, the medical profession as well as social services, and the justice system. His book is obviously a medium to retaliate against his attackers, which is the popular and professional way to do it these days I suppose. Wakefield is, probably legitimately, very angry, and I do not know the other side of the story so I will not make assumptions as to who is correct. And there are definitely flaws in the judicial, social service and medical field. However, Wakefield lost my vote when he described children with ASD as being "cured" after a change in diet. Total rubbish and it is clear Wakefield should stick to GI disorders and effects on behaviour. He might have something there.
The book was written by Andrew Wakefield. Up until recently, he was "Dr" Andrew Wakefield, a doctor of gastroenterology, but his questionable medical research practices and publications caused the Medical board to revoke his license. This says something about the author. It also says something that the quotes on the cover of his book, the ones praising his writing, are by people like Jenny McCarthy. I should've known better. I tried not to hold a bias, even though Wakefield is in the "anti vaccine" camp. I was unsuccessful. I couldn't finish the book because of all of the "anti MMR vaccine" rhetoric he was spewing.
Wakefield's book is extremely scientific. There are a lot of statistics and a lot of research that are very wordy for a layperson like me to understand. I am not a doctor and don't have the training, so I am not going to challenge Wakefield or his colleagues on their findings. Some of his findings on the effects of GI upset and mood and behaviour made sense. As a sufferer of a GI disorder, I know how much having a stomach that is "uncooperative" can set you off in every way. And children with ASD have tendencies to show GI troubles and food sensitivities, so this connection initially made sense to me.
Wakefield is very extremist in his views about autism, the medical profession as well as social services, and the justice system. His book is obviously a medium to retaliate against his attackers, which is the popular and professional way to do it these days I suppose. Wakefield is, probably legitimately, very angry, and I do not know the other side of the story so I will not make assumptions as to who is correct. And there are definitely flaws in the judicial, social service and medical field. However, Wakefield lost my vote when he described children with ASD as being "cured" after a change in diet. Total rubbish and it is clear Wakefield should stick to GI disorders and effects on behaviour. He might have something there.
December 11, 2022
Found this book very insightful. I can relate to this book as I’ve experienced first hand a lot of what is written. This book has massively improved the quality of my families life so thank you. Anyone with negative comments that haven’t personally tried out his theory’s really should keep their comments to themselves!
April 22, 2018
As the title implies, this publication is nothing but a scare tactic from a quack 'doctor' (whose medical license was revoked) seeking to further demonize those on the Autism Spectrum all over the world.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews