Autism has never been short of controversial theories. Hype about “cold” mothers in the 1970s has given way to groundless scares about MMR vaccinations and notions of extreme male brains. Are we anywhere near a consensus? Vilayanur Ramachandran and Lindsay Oberman think their group has some compelling evidence when it comes to explaining autism’s characteristically bizarre symptoms
“I KNOW Steven is trapped in there somewhere. If only you could find a way to tell our son how dearly we love him, perhaps you could bring him out, Dr Ramachandran.” How often have doctors heard that heartfelt cry from parents describing their autistic child? Sadly, though, medical…
