Early Childhood Autism: An Ethological Approach (Advances in Ethology, 10) [Paperback]

Elisabeth A. Tinbergen (Author), Niko Tinbergen (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English
Introduction: German

Product Details

• Paperback: 53 pages
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis (June 1972)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3489780361
• ISBN-13: 978-3489780366
• Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,119,159 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Definitely a Must Miss!, May 29, 2005

By 

BeatleBangs1964 (United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Early Childhood Autism: An Ethological Approach (Advances in Ethology, 10) (Paperback)

Suggesting that autistic behavior is akin to bird behavior and the book's equally ridiculous theory of enforced hugging for people with autism is truly for the birds. There are enough holes in the theories presented herein to drive a fleet of trucks through. Enforced hugging is just an emotional elixir in many cases. Donna Williams addresses this issue and rightfully so in her book, "Autism: An Inside-Out Approach" wherein she says that for many people with autism, enforced hugging meets the hugger's need only. Recent works on autism, such as the excellent books Williams has written address the issue of respecting the rights of people who neither like nor want hugs. Hugging/holding then becomes a self-serving method that teaches force and compliance. Those forced to endure this outwardly comply, hoping it will end. It becomes yet another indignity people with autism are forced to endure.

The Tinbergens compare people with autism to birds. The main thrust of their argument is the negative and destractive "blame the mother" routine for failing to bond with the child with autism during the child's first year of life. Baloney! The book also claims that people with autism refuse to speak. That is not true in every case. There are some cases where there are physical limitations that preclude speech; some people with autism find it difficult to synthesize sensory stimuli and sort out sounds of speech into meaningful units; still others find just ordinary speaking tones too loud and confusing. There are also many people with autism who are verbal and conversant. Communication is an inherent part of life; suggesting that anyone chooses to be autistic or makes their child(ren) autistic is to do a grave disservice to all. It also isn't true.

I did not like the pompous claim that enforced hugging was a panacea for all behavioral and communication difficulties. If that were the case, everybody directly involved with someone with autism would be doing this and basking in the 100% claim rate. If indeed that were the case, nobody would have autism today! The sheer illogic and utter audacity of the entire premise is shocking! Autism is NOT psychological, although the behaviors and responses to same often result in pyschological issues. Autism IS a neurobiological condition that affects sensory processing/integration and communication to varying degrees. Not all people with autism are nonverbal and not all people with autism fail to thrive. Not all intelligent people with autism who excel in certain areas or special interests fall into the stereotypical savant category. The same could be said of the neurotypical population.

The topper for me was when mothers were told to vent anger at their children for not responding to them. It sounds so cruel to turn what is supposed to be loving into something punitive and unpleasant. I was thoroughly disgusted with the way people were told to yell at their children and, in effect demand their children patch up their wounded egos. That is not the responsibility of any child. It is only natural for the children involved to view this type of hugging as a punishment replete with blame and restraint. It is hard to justify this as being "loving" when the outward behavior is anything but. That literally made me wince!

The other thing that bothered me is that while mothers are being blamed for their child(ren) having autism, a similar burden is being lain across their shoulders. The enforced hugging routine is purported to be a cure and so by "embracing" this approach, mothers can miraculously "cure" their children. Baloney! Just consider the grandiose claims of this book!

This book and enforced hugging is indeed for the birds. In fact, the expression "for the birds" comes from horses passing seeds through their manure. Birds would peck at the seeds, and so the term "for the birds" has come to mean of minimal value and usually from a very questionable source. This book really is for the birds.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Historical interest, October 19, 2006

By 

Jean Mercer - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Early Childhood Autism: An Ethological Approach (Advances in Ethology, 10) (Paperback)

Readers should note the 1972 publication date and be aware that this item is primarily of historical interest for students of changing concepts of mental illness. The book is not a useful contribution to modern studies of pervasive developmental disorders, as it was written before genetic factors were strongly suspected and before early detection of autism was considered possible. It should be noted that the Tinbergens, in their later volume on this subject, acknowledged that the ethological approach to treatment of autism was quite speculative.