 Decades ago, the late Dr. Bernard Rimland’s book Infantile Autism single-handedly destroyed the myth that “refrigerator parents” caused autism. Rimland’s new book, published posthumously, DYSLOGIC SYNDROME: Why Millions of Kids are “Hyper”, Attention-Disordered, Learning Disabled, Depressed, Aggressive, Defiant, or Violent — and What We Can Do About It (Bernard Rimland; January 2008, Jessica Kingsley Publishers; Hardcover, $24.95; ISBN: 978-1-84310-877-1; 192 pages) tackles an equally destructive myth: the idea that parents are to blame when children commit destructive or dangerous acts. In reality, he explains, “dyslogical” behavior stems from dysfunctional brains—and to help troubled children, we need to address the biological culprits that make their brains malfunction.
Dyslogic Syndrome – cognitive defects that lead children to commit illogical, destructive and dangerous acts — stems from a conversation Dr. Bernard Rimland had with his colleague, John Wacker. Wacker was writing a paper on how many children with learning disabilities also have problems with reasoning and was looking for an appropriate name for this problem. The paper, entitled “Dyslogic Syndrome” became one of the most-read papers of all time in the learning-disability community. Dr. Rimland expands on the subject in DYSLOGIC SYNDROME, arguing that toxins, dietary deficiencies, and even medical interventions themselves are harming the brains of today’s children. He then lays out an action plan to help parents, educators, doctors, and other professionals fight the dyslogic epidemic.
Treating this brain dysfunction solely with psychotherapy or drugs with potential side-effects does not address its root causes and thus typically is ineffective or even harmful. Natural, safe treatments such as dietary interventions can treat much dyslogical behavior. These treatments can help children with problems including: hyperactivity, attention deficits, conduct disorder, psychopathy, learning disabilities, and a wide range of other cognitive and behavior conditions. These conclusions challenge the generally accepted view that problem behaviors stem primarily for sociological causes; that many dyslogical children are untreatable; and that counseling, psychotherapy, and drug treatments are the only useful treatments for these problems.
Dr. Bernard Rimland, Ph.D., was the director of the Autism Research Institute (ARI), and the founder of the Autism Society of America. He also co-founded the Defeat Autism Now! (DAN!) Project. His first book Infantile Autism: The Syndrome and its Implications for a Neural Theory of Behavior, won the Century Award for distinguished contribution to psychology and revolutionized the field of autism research.
Jessica Kingsley Publishers specializes in producing accessible professional and academic books in the social and behavioral sciences. In 2007, Jessica Kingsley Publishers was named both the Academic & Professional Publisher of the Year and the overall Independent Publisher of the Year at the Independent Publishing Awards in London. The prizes coincide with Jessica Kingsley Publishers' 20th year as an independent company. Jessica Kingsley books are available worldwide through distributors, local bookstores and online bookstores. The company has offices in London and Philadelphia. More information can be found at www.jkp.com. |
