by Digby Tantam
I don’t often have the time or opportunity to read academic tomes these days but couldn’t resist ‘Autism spectrum disorders Through the Life Span’ by Digby Tantum.
It is a remarkable and fairly unique book, both in terms of content and clarity, considering the up-to-date and quite complex neuroscience. Tantam takes a novel stance that ASDs may change considerably throughout life. Anyone with some science background will be able to understand much of the book or at least get the gist of what is being described. At times I struggled with the neuroscience and feel that the referencing to complex brain research relies on some prior knowledge but I still enjoyed it and felt fascinated, and able, as a bare minimum, to grasp the enormity of the research. It is not an easy book to read because of the complexity of some of the neuroscience but it is clearly written and well explained. The first part focuses on the brain and the second relates more to the clinical aspects.
Tantum offers a pretty comprehensive and balanced picture of autism and considers the many possible variables that may contribute to someone having ASDs and ADHD. Different theories are explored and explained, genetic/epigenetic, theory of mind, social and emotional factors and much more.
Any reasonably educated and determined parent who wishes to gain a better understanding of their child or themselves, a more holistic view of past and present theories would gain from reading this book. It gives open access to research which is frequently unavailable to parents and often not reported on in the media. It is expensive but I feel well worth the cost and effort for those who can afford it.
For any professionals in the field who do not have much access to or the time to read journals this book does the work for you by packaging some of the main lines of research into one volume and clearly explaining what it means.
I felt the book was balanced and had an open attitude towards different theories and where he had a bias he declared it. Tantam showed a good understanding and compassion towards those who struggle as well as acknowledging that for some it is also experienced as an asset.
I probably enjoyed this book more than any other I have read specifically on autism due to the brain research. It is the Ramachandran, the Oliver Sachs of the autism world - a book for academics but also accessible to the educated and determined parent.
If, after reading this review you decide to read this book I'd love to know what you think! Please leave your comments below...
Anna van der Post
Dec 2011
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