What does it mean to be autistic in the twenty-first century? And why does it seem like everyone suddenly is?
In this urgent and revelatory exploration of neurodivergence, clinical psychologist Naomi Fisher traces the extraordinary transformation of autism from rare medical diagnosis to defining cultural phenomenon. How do labels like autism shape lives – and who gets to decide what they mean? In this compelling narrative, Fisher examines the forces influencing how we understand neurodevelopmental difference and identity. She explores the diagnostic surge and overwhelming waiting lists, the bitter conflicts, the industries profiting from human distress, and the seductive myths that persist around autistic minds.
This Explains Everything weaves together psychiatric history, lived experience narrative and the powerful influence of media, popular culture and social contagion, from the age of Rain Man stereotypes to today’s vibrant online communities, unpacking the science and social drivers behind the controversial landscape of autism today. Ultimately she asks what it means when a diagnosis is used to explain everything – and why so many of us are turning to autism to make sense of our lives.
In this urgent and revelatory exploration of neurodivergence, clinical psychologist Naomi Fisher traces the extraordinary transformation of autism from rare medical diagnosis to defining cultural phenomenon. How do labels like autism shape lives – and who gets to decide what they mean? In this compelling narrative, Fisher examines the forces influencing how we understand neurodevelopmental difference and identity. She explores the diagnostic surge and overwhelming waiting lists, the bitter conflicts, the industries profiting from human distress, and the seductive myths that persist around autistic minds.
This Explains Everything weaves together psychiatric history, lived experience narrative and the powerful influence of media, popular culture and social contagion, from the age of Rain Man stereotypes to today’s vibrant online communities, unpacking the science and social drivers behind the controversial landscape of autism today. Ultimately she asks what it means when a diagnosis is used to explain everything – and why so many of us are turning to autism to make sense of our lives.
Reviews
A compassionate and sensitive look at current beliefs and facts about autism by a clinician who daily wrestles with the dilemmas of diagnosis. Her insights are a revelation and will lead to a less divisive debate about being neurodivergent or neurotypical. It's now impossible to ignore the arguments in favour of a reassessment of what we mean by autism
Autism, once seem as a rare childhood condition, has unexpectedly become one of the most controversial social issues of our time. What it has so far lacked is an informed, compassionate and clear-sighted guide to the debate. Dr Naomi Fisher is that person. With decades of clinical experience, she has the authority and the courage to examine and sometimes challenge the prevailing consensus. Her book will be welcomed by everyone who is committed to a search for the truth
Naomi Fisher explains with great compassion and clarity how the "social tsunami" autism has become harms everyone, from the profoundly autistic, to the self-diagnosed, to those relegated to the rapidly shrinking category of "neurotypical." This wide-ranging book covers controversial debates, including facilitated communication, masking, genetics and social media, but Dr Fisher's broader themes transcend autism to acknowledge pervasive human struggles, celebrate growth and resilience, and call for a world in which support and community are not predicated on a diagnosis. A desperately needed intervention in the "autism wars"
This is by far the best book on autism I have ever read. Humane, insightful, brave and honest. Beautifully written with real world examples that provide clarity on why rates of autism diagnoses have skyrocketed
I have long been a huge fan of Dr Fisher's, constantly impressed by her ability to write thoughtfully and eloquently and bring a mix of rigour and warmth to difficult topics. This book is no exception. I devoured it. Like usual, Dr Fisher approaches conversations with nuance, sensitivity and compassion, and she is fiercely protective of the most vulnerable among us. This Explains Everything is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand not just autism, but how we construct our own identities and make sense of ourselves
Naomi Fisher has written an outstanding book on autism. It is serious, scientifically informed, balanced and non-judgmental and it cuts through the confusion and controversy that besets the subject. Fisher shows how the concept of autism has been transformed by a process of social contagion into something so broad it now lacks a common meaning and can be whatever anyone wants it to be. This matters because it changes how people understand their lives and can prevent them from understanding the real causes of their difficulties. The book draws the sensible and practical conclusion that we should help people on the basis of need, rather than on the application of increasingly spurious labels