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Autism: The Scientific Truth About Preventing, Diagnosing, and Treating Autism Spectrum Disorders--and What Parents Can Do Now
As he travels the country helping parents and children cope with neurological disorders, Dr. Robert Melillo is always asked one Why? Why are autism rates exploding? But an equally important question always What can we do about it as a society-and what can I do to help my child? In this candid, research-based, practical book, Dr. Melillo presents the latest scientific explanation for how we got here and proven, drug-free strategies that parents can employ to help prevent, detect, and address the autism epidemic for themselves and their families. With honesty and compassion, Dr. Melillo explains what the latest scientific research tells us about the role of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, dispelling myths and replacing them with the facts. In addition, he presents early warning signs, a prevention plan for parents-to-be, and an intervention program for babies and young children.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published December 31, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 11, 2015
I congratulate the author on questioning commonly accepted cause-effect relationships and he does present a lot of data BUT there are some things that bother me about this book. Like he sees his work as a "crusade" and he thinks he needs to eradicate all versions of autism which apparently would include Asperger's. First, it is debatable that Asperger's should be included with autism. It was recently added to the autism spectrum in the US, but most of the rest of the world disagrees with that and I do as well. To be forthcoming, I have Asperger's and show a number of traits associated with it. I also have an IQ over 170. I wouldn't want Dr. Medillo 'fixing' me at all. The problem with most neurotypicals is the same bias that exists in humans for almost everything - "What I am is correct and anything else is wrong." You can choose brain wiring, or religion, or favorite football team as examples... See what I mean?
January 29, 2016
A lot of very interesting information for a relative newbie to the topic of autism. Good thorough overview of baseline symptomatology, risk factors and trends. He does stay realistic in saying there are no guarantees re: prevention. He writes about changing your genes (i.e. turning them "on" or "off") by doing things in your day-to-day life now.
However, I'm hesitant to give it more stars after doing a little homework, because much of what Melillo focuses on (right-brain/left-brain balance) is just his theory which has not yet been clinically proven. He ventures so deeply into etiology (naming dozens of risk factors that are accumulative), it almost makes you wonder how there are still any kids who aren't on the spectrum. Though this is marketed as a book of hope, it makes me pretty scared to live or breed in a world where so many (risk factors) can't be avoided. Still, I couldn't put this book down because of the subject matter, and because if there is anything at all that can be done to help the autistic child and his/her parents, wouldn't you want to know about it?
He makes a ton of suggestions for different tests to get and many of his treatment strategies are based on strengthening and weakening habits of mind and body to achieve desired balance. There is debate on both sides of whether he's a quack, and criticism that he is a chiropractor, not a physician. His centers provide a ridiculously expensive "brain balance" program based on his ideas. He has an extremely interesting theory, but still not based on scientific evidence (testimonies are not scientific, measurable evidence).
However, I'm hesitant to give it more stars after doing a little homework, because much of what Melillo focuses on (right-brain/left-brain balance) is just his theory which has not yet been clinically proven. He ventures so deeply into etiology (naming dozens of risk factors that are accumulative), it almost makes you wonder how there are still any kids who aren't on the spectrum. Though this is marketed as a book of hope, it makes me pretty scared to live or breed in a world where so many (risk factors) can't be avoided. Still, I couldn't put this book down because of the subject matter, and because if there is anything at all that can be done to help the autistic child and his/her parents, wouldn't you want to know about it?
He makes a ton of suggestions for different tests to get and many of his treatment strategies are based on strengthening and weakening habits of mind and body to achieve desired balance. There is debate on both sides of whether he's a quack, and criticism that he is a chiropractor, not a physician. His centers provide a ridiculously expensive "brain balance" program based on his ideas. He has an extremely interesting theory, but still not based on scientific evidence (testimonies are not scientific, measurable evidence).
February 10, 2016
I did not like this book.
It is written for an American audience and while much of it was comprehensible to a non-American like me, for some of it you'd benefit from a knowledge of America medical practices.
For me the biggest let down was that the title suggested that it was going to provide information about "… treating Autism Spectrum Disorders …". There was though precious little in the book (just a few pages at the end) about treating autism spectrum disorders. Perhaps this is not surprising. Also, there was lots of information about the risk of having an autistic child, though often the essential statistical information about the what the increased risk was an increase on was lacking, i.e. what is the increased risk if you don't actually say what the standard risk is? And, there were loads of tests that Dr Melillo recommends for parents to be in order for them to try to gauge whether they are likely to produce an autistic child.
Unfortunately, I found his description of how to calculate your BMI as being "based on a complicated formula" as laughable.
My recommendation is to get it from a library (if you have one locally), but don't bother buying a copy.
It is written for an American audience and while much of it was comprehensible to a non-American like me, for some of it you'd benefit from a knowledge of America medical practices.
For me the biggest let down was that the title suggested that it was going to provide information about "… treating Autism Spectrum Disorders …". There was though precious little in the book (just a few pages at the end) about treating autism spectrum disorders. Perhaps this is not surprising. Also, there was lots of information about the risk of having an autistic child, though often the essential statistical information about the what the increased risk was an increase on was lacking, i.e. what is the increased risk if you don't actually say what the standard risk is? And, there were loads of tests that Dr Melillo recommends for parents to be in order for them to try to gauge whether they are likely to produce an autistic child.
Unfortunately, I found his description of how to calculate your BMI as being "based on a complicated formula" as laughable.
My recommendation is to get it from a library (if you have one locally), but don't bother buying a copy.
August 24, 2016
Read the first paragraph and was so shocked by the content, I will not read the rest. It states that the health of the parents before pregnancy, mother during pregnancy, and environment in early childhood can prevent autism. This is a load of BS! My husband and I were both in good health, my pregnancy was a healthy one, better than my first, and both my daughter and son spent their first year in the same environment, yet, my son is an Aspie and my daughter is very much not. In our case, it is very much a genetic influence, I am certain. After learning about autism from many different books and research, I do not see it as something which can be prevented! If caught early, people can be taught the skills to handle the differences between neurotypical and autistic thinking to help them "fit in" better with a neurotypical society, but is not something that can be caught, treated, or prevented. I was very disappointed to hear a doctor with such a history state this. I may be mistaken and have missed a point, but I do not want to waste my time on something which starts this way.
June 29, 2022
This book is poison to people with autism. The fact there is so much praise for Autism Speaks, a neo-Nazi organisation that wants to eradicate autism, is disturbing enough.
I could go on forever listing the parts of this book that offended me, a person who has Asperger's. Here are just a few of them:
Foreword, p. xi: "This book is about stopping autism, preventing it before it even has a chance to develop, and perhaps even curing it." OK, the author didn't even write that part, but it only shows how willing people are to support such ableist attitudes.
The author repeatedly refers to autism as an "epidemic", like it is a virus. Hello, you can't catch autism, and would people refer to LGBTQ+ communities or racial minorities as an "epidemic" that need to be wiped out? Not unless they want to get blasted for discrimination.
It uses the r-word (no explanation needed).
p. 5: "Autism is a real threat". Oh, for heaven's sake! Ableism is the real threat to our society, not autism. Our world needs to change to be more accepting of autism. People with autism shouldn't have to be "normalised" (at least not completely normalised) to be loved and accepted. This is forced assimilation.
Speaking of forced assimilation, a cruel residential school known as the Judge Rotenberg Centre exists in Massachusetts, USA. It is similar to the residential school system that tortured and killed innocent Native American children, only they have people with disabilities. And they shock (SHOCK!) people who so much as show symptoms of their disabilities. I think it is important that people know this horrible institution is still running to this day.
The people who've praised this book clearly don't care that people with autism are 9 times more likely to commit or attempt suicide than non-autistic people (source: Autism Research Trust UK). If I had my way, I'd have books that spout out hate and misinformation about autism, or say it should be eradicated, banned from bookshelves around the world.
P.S. I hate the Aspie label. I find it insulting, demeaning and dehumanising. I feel it invites people to discriminate against me and I will never call myself that.
I could go on forever listing the parts of this book that offended me, a person who has Asperger's. Here are just a few of them:
Foreword, p. xi: "This book is about stopping autism, preventing it before it even has a chance to develop, and perhaps even curing it." OK, the author didn't even write that part, but it only shows how willing people are to support such ableist attitudes.
The author repeatedly refers to autism as an "epidemic", like it is a virus. Hello, you can't catch autism, and would people refer to LGBTQ+ communities or racial minorities as an "epidemic" that need to be wiped out? Not unless they want to get blasted for discrimination.
It uses the r-word (no explanation needed).
p. 5: "Autism is a real threat". Oh, for heaven's sake! Ableism is the real threat to our society, not autism. Our world needs to change to be more accepting of autism. People with autism shouldn't have to be "normalised" (at least not completely normalised) to be loved and accepted. This is forced assimilation.
Speaking of forced assimilation, a cruel residential school known as the Judge Rotenberg Centre exists in Massachusetts, USA. It is similar to the residential school system that tortured and killed innocent Native American children, only they have people with disabilities. And they shock (SHOCK!) people who so much as show symptoms of their disabilities. I think it is important that people know this horrible institution is still running to this day.
The people who've praised this book clearly don't care that people with autism are 9 times more likely to commit or attempt suicide than non-autistic people (source: Autism Research Trust UK). If I had my way, I'd have books that spout out hate and misinformation about autism, or say it should be eradicated, banned from bookshelves around the world.
P.S. I hate the Aspie label. I find it insulting, demeaning and dehumanising. I feel it invites people to discriminate against me and I will never call myself that.
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April 10, 2024No. Just no lol. 0/5.
July 10, 2025
I must admit I read just about 30 pages before i gave up on this. Among the book’s flaws is the repeated framing of autism as an "epidemic" and a "treatable disease", language that is not only misleading but also harmful to the autistic community. This sensationalist language is not only factually inaccurate (autism is not a disease and cannot be caught or spread) but perpetuates fear, stigma, and a sense of urgency that is both misplaced and down right offensive. The rise in autism diagnoses over the past few decades is more accurately attributed to expanded diagnostic criteria, increased awareness, and better screening, not an outbreak. this is not a fucking zombie apocalypse but better healthcare. Equally troubling is Melillo's assertion that autism is a "preventable" or "curable disease." This phrase implies that autism is something that can (and should be) cured. Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference, not a disease to be eradicated.
To sum it up, this book is not a thoughtful or constructive contribution to the conversation around neurodevelopmental differences. It trades in alarmism, and offers unsubstantiated remedies instead of compassion, acceptance, and evidence-based support. For readers looking to understand autism respectfully and accurately, this book is best avoided.
If you want someone who actually has compassion and understanding for the diagnosis, check out Dr Luke Beardons books and (i think) youtube videoes.
To sum it up, this book is not a thoughtful or constructive contribution to the conversation around neurodevelopmental differences. It trades in alarmism, and offers unsubstantiated remedies instead of compassion, acceptance, and evidence-based support. For readers looking to understand autism respectfully and accurately, this book is best avoided.
If you want someone who actually has compassion and understanding for the diagnosis, check out Dr Luke Beardons books and (i think) youtube videoes.
December 28, 2025
I knew this would be nonsense (what else to expect from a chiropractor?) but figured that perhaps knowing about autism should include awareness of even the BS that is said about it.
I can’t help leaving this quote here:
I think all I have to say about that quote is: lmao
I can’t help leaving this quote here:
Let’s put science aside for the moment and just use common sense. Think about it. If autism is caused by a defective gene, then why are almost all parents of autistic kids not autistic themselves? Since the majority of people with autism never marry and have children, then why aren’t we seeing a decrease rather than an increase in the disorder?
I think all I have to say about that quote is: lmao
January 16, 2020
It gives a lot of background in what could be the causes behind autism, all While saying that there isn't one thing that creates it. He says there are ways to make the symptoms better and realign your brain imbalances but never really goes into it. He touches on the things you can do, but it's so small in comparison to the rest of the book. The end result is you need to follow a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risks of autism.
September 24, 2017
I found it interesting. I agree that we life in a world that praises the left side of our brains over our right but I do not think Autism or Asbergers is necessarily bad and needs to be eradicated. Maybe these right brain exercises could help.
However, this doctor is obsessed with brain imbalance. A good portion of this book is dedicated to balancing parts of the brain or checking brain imbalances through exercises and physical tests. He goes on to say that the opposite side of your body is weak of the part of the brain with imbalance but also that you might have a larger eye on the side with brain imbalance, for example. These illustrations are utterly ridiculous and feel like a waste of time.
I found that this book was largely theoretical. It places a lot of pressure on the parents to be healthy before a pregnancy and talks about the chemicals and bodily issues that can cause Autism. Take the advice in this book with a grain of salt but don't completely eradicate it from your to read list just because you feel offended by some of the stuff in this book.
However, this doctor is obsessed with brain imbalance. A good portion of this book is dedicated to balancing parts of the brain or checking brain imbalances through exercises and physical tests. He goes on to say that the opposite side of your body is weak of the part of the brain with imbalance but also that you might have a larger eye on the side with brain imbalance, for example. These illustrations are utterly ridiculous and feel like a waste of time.
I found that this book was largely theoretical. It places a lot of pressure on the parents to be healthy before a pregnancy and talks about the chemicals and bodily issues that can cause Autism. Take the advice in this book with a grain of salt but don't completely eradicate it from your to read list just because you feel offended by some of the stuff in this book.
April 7, 2015
This was a fantastic continuation of dr. Mellilo's books. I love that you can assess yourself as an adult, find out how to self check your blood sugar, body mass, etc. I only gave it 4 stars, though, as I worried people would worry too much about having a child with some of the statements made. I'm glad in the end he points out how easily the primitive reflexes can be gotten rid of to keep us and our children balanced in our ever increasing imbalanced left brain dominant world. Very good.
February 26, 2013
An excellent explanation of the overall wonders of parents of ASD children. We need to hear this progressive understanding of what we have arrived at in 2013. It gives us a wake up call in a fact based book.
April 13, 2014
Interesting. Has a lot of information. also, a lot of speculation. Gives fruit for thought but probably dangerous for a parent if this is the only autism book they read. Places a lot of blame on parents for having a child on the spectrum.
May 8, 2013
Very detailed focus on the "parent factor' and prevention..presents his theories .Has some useful tests for adult autism screening and his brain Balance theories.
September 1, 2014
Wow! I learned so much. A must read.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews