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Autism's False Prophets: Bad Science, Risky Medicine, and the Search for a Cure Hardcover – Illustrated, September 18, 2008

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 309 ratings

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A London researcher was the first to assert that the combination measles-mumps-rubella vaccine known as MMR caused autism in children. Following this "discovery," a handful of parents declared that a mercury-containing preservative in several vaccines was responsible for the disease. If mercury caused autism, they reasoned, eliminating it from a child's system should treat the disorder. Consequently, a number of untested alternative therapies arose, and, most tragically, in one such treatment, a doctor injected a five-year-old autistic boy with a chemical in an effort to cleanse him of mercury, which stopped his heart instead.

Children with autism have been placed on stringent diets, subjected to high-temperature saunas, bathed in magnetic clay, asked to swallow digestive enzymes and activated charcoal, and injected with various combinations of vitamins, minerals, and acids. Instead of helping, these therapies can hurt those who are most vulnerable, and particularly in the case of autism, they undermine childhood vaccination programs that have saved millions of lives. An overwhelming body of scientific evidence clearly shows that childhood vaccines are safe and does not cause autism. Yet widespread fear of vaccines on the part of parents persists.

In this book, Paul A. Offit, a national expert on vaccines, challenges the modern-day false prophets who have so egregiously misled the public and exposes the opportunism of the lawyers, journalists, celebrities, and politicians who support them. Offit recounts the history of autism research and the exploitation of this tragic condition by advocates and zealots. He considers the manipulation of science in the popular media and the courtroom, and he explores why society is susceptible to the bad science and risky therapies put forward by many antivaccination activists.
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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Attempting to answer the enormous frustration and unhappiness of parents "tired of watching their autistic children improve at rates so slow it's hard to tell if they are improving at all," pediatrics professor and vaccine researcher Offit explores purported causes and cures. Examining false approaches like facilitated communication ("a massive, nationwide delusion") and secretin injections ("no better than salt water"), and mistaken theories of origin (the MMR vaccine, thimerosol), Offit pleads with journalists to resist the lure of "dramatic headlines, advertising dollars, and ratings" rather than report an unconfirmed or untrustworthy study. The only worthwhile studies, Offit purports, are those meeting three criteria: "transparency of the funding source, internal consistency of the data, and reproducibility of the findings." Overall, Offit's text seems unbalanced: though he takes on the "$40-billion-a-year" alternative medicine industry, he's largely silent on the much larger pharmaceutical industry; and after 10 chapters of debunking the "false prophets," there's just one brief chapter on what is known about autism causes and cures. A thorough and convincing debunker, however, Offit will likely leave parents still hunting for information, albeit better armed to find it.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

Every child has a right to be vaccinated against deadly diseases. We started Every Child By Two to protect children from diseases. It didn't occur to me that I would also have to protect them from misinformation about life-saving vaccines. Paul A. Offit's book sets the facts straight. -- Rosalynn Carter, former first lady, cofounder of Every Child By Two

Autism's False Prophets is a compelling story of heartbroken parents, understandably desperate for an explanation of autism, being taken in by false hopes unsupported by genuine science. This book goes to the heart of a question that affects every aspect of American culture and political life. Are public policies to be determined by evidence and reason or by emotions that, however intense they may be, have nothing to do with reality? -- Susan Jacoby, author of The Age of American Unreason

A definitive analysis of a dangerous and unnecessary controversy that has put the lives of children at risk. Paul A. Offit shows how bad science can take hold of the public consciousness and lead to personal decisions that endanger the health of small children. Every parent who has doubts about the wisdom of vaccinating their kids should read this book. -- Peter C. Doherty, Ph.D., St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital and Nobel Laureate in Medicine for fundamental contributions in Immunology

In his latest book Paul A. Offit unfolds the story of autism, infectious diseases, and immunization that has captivated our attention for the last decade. His lively account explores the intersection of science, special interests, and personal courage. It is provocative reading for anyone whose life has been touched by the challenge of autism spectrum disorders. -- Susan K. Klein, MD, Ph.D., Case Western Reserve Hospital, and Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Case Medical Center

[A] thoughtful and readable study. ―
Library Journal (starred review)

Enlightening, highly readable and... timely. -- Rahul K. Parikh, M.D. ―
Salon.com

Arguably the most courageous and most knowledgeable scientist about vaccines in the United States. -- Robert Goldberg ―
New York Post

[Dr. Offit] has done a huge public service by exposing the tragic and dangerous place the anti-vaccine hysteria has taken us. -- Huntly Collins ―
Philadelphia Inquirer

An invaluable chronicle that relates some of the many ways in which the vulnerabilities of anxious parents have been exploited. -- Linda Seebach ―
Wall Street Journal

A good read and an important piece of work. -- Lisa Jo Rudy ―
About.com

More than a book about a disease, it is an ode to uncorrupted science and a cautionary tale that data alone is never enough. ―
SEED magazine

[Offit] provides important insight into the fatal flaws of the key arguments of vaccine alarmists. ―
Buffalo News

A very good read. -- Dom Giordano ―
The Bulletin

A sobering indictment. -- Isabelle Rapin, M.D. ―
Neurology Today

Highly recommended. ―
Choice

A fascinating read... Eloquently and clearly written. -- Stan L. Block, MD ―
Infectious Diseases in Children

A very helpful book for both medical personnel and parents. ―
The New England Journal of Medicine

The book is a fantastic read. I recommend it to all physicians and their patients and families. -- Brian Alverson, MD ―
Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine

This is a powerful book which should be read by all professionals working in the area ofmedicine. -- Michael Fitzgerald ―
Social History of Medicine

Paul A. Offit is one of the most respected scientists and clinicians in a field of vital importance to public health. -- Patricia M. Rodier ―
BioScience

[This] book doesn't just show that the anti-vaccine activists are wrong; it attempts to explain why, in our culture, they tend to
win. -- Jason Fagone ― Philadelphia Magazine

Detailed but easily readable... should be required reading for any parents who are considering denying vaccination to their children. ―
Communication: The Magazine of the National Autistic Society

Arguably the most detailed and thorough history available of the current anti-vaccine movement. -- Roy Richard Grinker ―
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

[A] must-read... it will keep pediatricians and pediatric neurologists awake over the nightmarish possibilities of pseudoscience in the 21st century. -- Roger A. Brumback, M.D. ―
Journal of Child Neurology

The vast range of professionals who may be enriched, professionally, by the book's contents extends to: psychologists, psychiatrists, neurologists, neuroscientists, speech pathologists, pediatricians, primary care physicians, geneticists, virologists, immunologists, vaccine experts, nurses, infectious disease experts, internists, gastroenterologists, epidemiologists, public health professionals, special education teachers, bioethicists, biochemists, biologists, biostatisticians, endocrinologists, pharmacists, pharmacologists, pharmaceutical industry professionals, health policy makers, journalists, politicians, and trial lawyers. -- Leo Uzych ―
Metapsychology

Seeking to help readers realize the truth about Autism,
Autism's False Prophets is a much need read, not to be missed. ― Midwest Book Review

For a detailed review of diseases, vaccines, and the objections the vaccine lobbyists have brought to the table, books by the prolific Paul Offit are a good place to start. -- Abigail Zuger ―
The New York Times

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Columbia University Press; Illustrated edition (September 18, 2008)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 328 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0231146361
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0231146364
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.28 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.1 x 1.1 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 309 ratings

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Paul A. Offit
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Paul A. Offit MD, a specialist in pediatric infectious diseases, has written 13 books about science and medicine. His subjects range from the history of the anti-vaccine movement, to the science behind vitamin supplements, to the over-use of medical treatments and, most recently, the Covid-19 pandemic. He has a passion for distilling the complexities of science and medicine into interesting narratives and clear prose. Dr. Offit has served on both the CDC and FDA Vaccine Advisory Committees. He is a co-inventor of a rotavirus vaccine, licensed in 2006, that is estimated to save hundreds of lives every year.

Dr. Offit relaxes and recharges by reading fiction, binge-watching great television series, following Philadelphia sports teams, watching movies, listening to podcasts, and walking. He follows politics all too closely and does not consider that relaxing.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
309 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book provides excellent and well-documented information on autism research. They describe it as an interesting and compelling read that is based on real science and fact, not opinions. The writing style is described as clear and easy to understand by laypeople. Readers mention it's the best book they have read on autism, and a must-read for anyone with autistic children or who work with them. The pace is described as fast and up-to-date.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

34 customers mention "Information quality"34 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides good information on autism and its history. It is well-documented and makes scientific issues accessible to the layperson. The author uses logic, reason, and facts to show why people fall for misinformation. They appreciate the author's knowledge of medicine and pseudoscience.

"...The book also includes some excellent information on the history of other failings in the relatively short history of treating autism sans..." Read more

"...through the whole sad saga of the Autism debate and presents a cogent and reasoned argument for why the evidence overwhelmingly points to the fact..." Read more

"...It is extremely well written and hard to put down. It provides large amounts of information and numerous sources for it, for the reader that wants..." Read more

"...It can just seems long winded at times. Overall a good book and valuable information." Read more

30 customers mention "Readability"30 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and informative. They describe it as a powerful and helpful review of autism research and treatment history. The author does an excellent job countering common claims against autism research and treatment.

"This is the best book I've read about vaccine controversies and the debates surrounding autism by pretty much any criterion I can think of...." Read more

"...It can just seems long winded at times. Overall a good book and valuable information." Read more

"...Offit does a good job at countering the majority of claims against vaccination and citing many good sources while doing so...." Read more

"An amazing read; I couldn't put it down...." Read more

20 customers mention "Writing style"20 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's writing style clear and easy to understand. They find it a well-written narrative that can be followed by anyone educated. The author does a good job at explaining the issues in an easy-to-understand way. However, some readers feel the notes are extensive at times. Overall, the book provides a detailed account of the Rise of the Vaccine-Autism Controversy.

"...The result is a book that is a wonderful read (I had a hard time putting it down), a compelling story, and a sure-footed exploration of one of the..." Read more

"...it out pretty easily by where in the chapter I was, and the notes are extensive, but for someone like me who follows up on notes, it was annoying -..." Read more

"...The book does a great job at explaining in a narrative style. It can just seems long winded at times. Overall a good book and valuable information." Read more

"Beyond it's smooth writing and immediate point (that there is no credible evidence autism is caused by vaccines), the book is an excellent..." Read more

8 customers mention "Autism research"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's autism research interesting and informative. They say it's the best book they've read on autism, a must-read for anyone with autistic children or who works with them. The book provides definitive results that MMR and thimerosol do not cause autism. It should be required reading in any parenting class or pre-parenting class. However, some readers feel it's good for a casual read but not to be taken seriously.

"...Paul Offit presents the scientific facts about Autism: and for such an emotive topic, arguments free of emotion or vested interest, other than the..." Read more

"...This is the best book I have read on autism and I encourage people who are curious about the topic to take a look." Read more

"...Also to hear from an adult with autism was really interesting - no one seems to include them and their feelings about being called "poisoned", "..." Read more

"Good for a very casual read but not to be taken seriously from an assessment on the causes or false prophets of Autism...." Read more

4 customers mention "Pace"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book timely and informative. They appreciate the fast, engaging writing style and the timely information presented in an up-to-date manner.

"...The book is up to date right up until shortly before its publication...." Read more

"Beyond it's smooth writing and immediate point (that there is no credible evidence autism is caused by vaccines), the book is an excellent..." Read more

"...book clears up all the falsehoods and bad PR about vaccines and it's a fast and interesting read...." Read more

"Courageous and Timely Book..." Read more

Dr "Profit" is Big Pharma's Puppet!
1 out of 5 stars
Dr "Profit" is Big Pharma's Puppet!
I am not anti vaccine. This has nothing to do with my opinion of this book. This man's money is made via the vaccine industry. His book is only helping to fill his already deep pockets by promoting his "bread and butter".
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2009
    This book brilliantly mixes extremely well-grounded, well-conducted science with deftly crafted journalism. The result is a book that is a wonderful read (I had a hard time putting it down), a compelling story, and a sure-footed exploration of one of the latest pseudo-scientific crazes. Offit tells the complete story so compellingly and so thoroughly, it's hard to imagine a better argued case.

    If I have one criticism, it's that he could have spent a little more time explaining epidemiological studies -- what they are, how they work, and when they're more appropriate than biological models. He refers to them a lot, even chastises another scientist for not explaining them to his audience, and then he falls into the same trap. An understanding of them is so essential to appreciating his argument, I'd hate to see it lost on lay readers who are unfamiliar with them.

    If you have any questions about the safety of vaccinations, this is your one-stop book for debunking the claims that have run wild as of late. The book is up to date right up until shortly before its publication. It does mention one incredibly important court case where the verdict was still TBA. Since the book's publication, the court found in favor of the side that Offit is trumpeting.

    The book also includes some excellent information on the history of other failings in the relatively short history of treating autism sans institutionalization, including a short, but well-written, section on Facilitated Communication.
    9 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2012
    In my review of Paul Offit's "Autism's False Prophets", I have described it as a "must read" book. But this is only true for some people.
    For those in the medical and allied professions who understand the scientific process, hypothesis, testing and study results (a group I am a part of) this book makes a fascinating summary of a very controversial topic.
    For those who have decided that the real causes of Autism are being hidden and denied by the medical profession, the Government and corporate interests; in other words, people who have made up their minds about Autism and refuse to accept current medical thinking: don't waste your time- this book will only make you angry.
    But for those readers who are unsure...who think there may be some truth in the assertion that vaccines cause Autism...or that mercury preservatives cause Autism...or that there are some alternative therapies that can cure Autism but are shunned by mainstream medicine: this book is a MUST read for them.
    Paul Offit takes the reader through the whole sad saga of the Autism debate and presents a cogent and reasoned argument for why the evidence overwhelmingly points to the fact that vaccines or their components do not cause Autism. The sad fact is that the Autism debate has been hijacked by parents who, while deeply loving their children, and wanting to do anything to help them, have been swayed by emotive and unscientific pronouncements, all of which can cause more heartache. Paul Offit presents the scientific facts about Autism: and for such an emotive topic, arguments free of emotion or vested interest, other than the truth, are sorely needed.

    Very highly recommended.
    11 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2013
    This is the best book I've read about vaccine controversies and the debates surrounding autism by pretty much any criterion I can think of. It is extremely well written and hard to put down. It provides large amounts of information and numerous sources for it, for the reader that wants to go back and check (though the paperback version does not actually have the note numbers - I could figure it out pretty easily by where in the chapter I was, and the notes are extensive, but for someone like me who follows up on notes, it was annoying - I don't know if that's true of the hardcover edition. I didn't see them in the Kindle book, either; that's one thing that could use fixing). I especially liked the way Doctor Offit presented each new suggested therapy for autism or theory about its connection to vaccines: He first described the things that made the theory credible, presenting a pretty convincing case for it, and then explained in detail, in a way easily accessible to a lay person, the studies debunking the theory and the potential problems. He did not demonize any of the people supporting those theories, in spite of his profound disagreement with their conclusion, and respected their humanity, their achievements where appropriate, their pain where appropriate. His analysis of why the vaccine-autism connection was so easily accepted and is still so powerful in spite of many studies to the contrary is thoughtful and in depth. It's a very good read, and one you learn a lot from.
    11 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2019
    So far it’s pretty good. I work with individuals with disabilities and I think know what doesn’t work and why it doesn’t work is just as important as know what does work and why. The book does a great job at explaining in a narrative style. It can just seems long winded at times. Overall a good book and valuable information.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Alex
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sehr gut 5*
    Reviewed in Germany on December 7, 2019
    Es wird sehr gut auf die ganze Story der Impfentwicklung und der Inhaltsstoffe eingegangen.
    Wirklich sehr gutes Buch und angenehm zu lesen :)
    5*
  • The Warlock
    5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning book - must read for all parents of children with autism
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 14, 2013
    As the parent of a child with Asperger's syndrome - and a working scientist of 35 years experience in biomedicine - I salute Paul Offit for this masterly book. Here (for anyone willing to open their minds) is the truth about how so many parents, doctors, lawyers, opportunists and media people conspired not to advance the prospects of autistic children, but to label them damaged, worthless, victims and to "search for the guilty".

    There is so much genuine understanding of human motivation here - good and bad. The parents desperate for any explanation why their child appears different from most others; the self-delusional medical fraudsters; the money-making lawyers who always come out smiling; the scientists baffled and threatened when all they are trying to do is find out the truth; the media managers desperate for a "controversy" to drive up audience figures and keep their advertisers happy. It is an intensely human story, because if all the characters behaved logically, the absurd and catastrophic loss of faith in vaccines would never have taken place.

    Calmly and carefully, Paul strips away the various layers of misunderstanding, poor communication, political opportunism and deliberate lies to reveal: first - that there is not a shred of evidence that any child has ever developed autism as a result of thimerosal in vaccines or the MMR triple vaccine; second, that wherever parents are desperate enough to seek a "cure" for autism, there will be no shortage of hucksters ready to sell hope for a thick wad of cash (oh and by the way parents, if you don't get the result you hoped for - it's your fault); third, just because something is demonstrably false, some people will still choose to believe it.

    Ultimately any child with autism is still a child with a future and with potential. All children develop in unexpected ways and this is true of autistic children as well. All chidren benefit from love and support, not from being labelled "hopeless" "soulless" "empty" or "damaged beyond repair". The world is full of autistic people and always will be.

    As others have said, if you are the parent of an autistic child, read this book.
  • Dr. C. Becker
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent and accurate account of false promises
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 18, 2008
    I had been waiting for this book for a while (indeed, due to the long delivery times, I waited longer than anticipated). Paul Offit's Autism's False Prophets was absolutely worth the wait, and as it is with such books, did not last very long after I received it, since it is so unputdownable. Offit takes us through a journey through the various hypotheses of the etiology of autism. He gives a detailed, well researched, accurate account of the associated history of autism "therapies" and their protagonists. I knew all that - had read about each "wonder drug/treatment" in blogs, parents' accounts, scientific manuscripts. It still shocked me to see all the different, sometimes highly invasive approaches that autistic children have to endure in one book. It is important to read such an analysis though, because otherwise you would remain gullible. The book is an important read, not only for parents/relatives/friends of children/adults with autism, but for any patient. It is "normal" to be desperate, it is "normal" to be wanting a powerful remedy. It is important not to fall for False Prophets.

    2008 was a good year for books empowering patients, teaching them to tell woo from right (Suckers by Rose Sharpiro, Trick or Treatment by Simon Singh and Edzard Ernst, Bad Science by Ben Goldacre all fall into the category of the "Woo Enlightenment", each in their own style). Autism's False Prophets has its place in this list - get it for Christmas, or give one away.
  • P.W.
    5.0 out of 5 stars A very important book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 19, 2020
    A very well written and important book for anyone wandering why the field of autism contains so many quacks and frauds. Dr Offit's book is often hilarious in the way he explains how scientists keep proving certain dubious people's ideas about autism wrong. Chiefly the arch fraud and stuck off doctor, Wakefield. But there is more to it all than him.

    I strongly recommend this great read.
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A voice of reason
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 26, 2016
    This is a must read for anyone with concerns about autism and interventions.

    We are bombarded with theories and interventions from naturalists and nutritionist making bold claims with no evidence. It says a lot when someone shows you something backed by evidence instead of telling you something which isn't.