Steve Silberman, Advocate for Neurodiversity, Passes Away at 66

Steve Silberman was a revered writer who profoundly impacted the subject of neurodiversity. Although not autistic himself, Silberman’s insightful writings prompted many to believe otherwise. This misunderstanding arose from his deep passion and authoritative voice when discussing neurodiversity, as evident in his contributions to Wired magazine.

Silberman’s most acclaimed work is “NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity.” This 500-page book stands out for its historical narrative and sociological critique. In it, Silberman scrutinizes how society has diagnosed and treated autism and other neurodivergent conditions over the years, ensuring that the focus remains on the neurodivergent individuals themselves.

Silberman’s death on Wednesday, August 29th, leaves a void in the literary world. His surviving husband, Keith, expressed hopes that people will remember Silberman for “his kindness, humor, wisdom, and love.” Silberman’s legacy as an extraordinary writer is also firmly established. Trained by the legendary Beat poet Allen Ginsburg, who later became a close friend, Silberman spent twenty years at Wired before dedicating his talents to advocating for the autistic community.

Silberman’s approach to advocacy went beyond mere writing. He examined how autistic people can come together to form proactive communities, an essential development for humanity. His perspective was underlined by contemporary beliefs that autism is not a single entity but a cluster of conditions, each with unique behaviors and needs. Addressing these requires lifelong support from parents, educators, and the broader community, underscoring Hans Asperger’s 1938 assertion that autistic traits are far from rare.

Silberman’s method of advocacy stands in stark contrast to the controversial views of figures like Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., known for his anti-vaccine stance. In a discussion with Silberman, the writer critiqued RFK Jr.’s description of autistic people as “vaccine-injured,” noting that such statements are not only scientifically incorrect but also deeply offensive. RFK Jr.’s comments, comparing autistic individuals to zombies and Holocaust victims, dehumanize and mis represent them, according to Silberman.

Silberman emphasized that the main issue faced by autistic individuals and their families is the persistent lack of support and resources throughout their lives. He highlighted how RFK Jr.’s claims about the costs of providing educational access to disabled students undermine the efforts of disabled people and their families. Such myths have historically led to misdiagnoses and cruel treatments of autistic individuals, including lobotomies and electric shocks.

The kindness, humor, wisdom, and love Keith attributes to Silberman were evident in his writing, much like the compassion noted in the works of Dr. Oliver Sacks. Silberman admired how Sacks drew humanity from pathological conditions in his “neurological novels.” Similarly, Silberman defended the wrongly pathologized with the same depth of empathy and humanity.

Silberman’s contributions have not only broadened the understanding of neurodiversity but also inspired other advocates to continue his work. His legacy is a testament to the power of compassion, advocacy, and informed writing, ensuring that the voices of the neurodivergent are heard and respected.

Source: Salon