Waging War on the Autistic Child: The Arizona 5 and the Legacy of Baron Von Munchausen

As the number of children diagnosed with autism spectrumdisorders grows each year, new discoveries and controversiesarise. Andrew Wakefield explores many of these in his thoroughinvestigation of the recent trial case of the Arizona 5, which destroyedan Arizona family. Two parents, with five children on thespectrum, were accused of Munchausen syndrome by proxy arare form of child abuse and were ganged up on by physicians, child protective services, and the courts, who alleged that the parentsfabricated medical symptoms in all five children. However, Wakefield now presents ample evidence that was disregarded andwhich would have proven the parents innocence.Families affected by autism suffer great hardship and prejudice, particularly as they navigate the uncertain waters of diagnosis, treatment, and education. The shocking story of the Arizona 5family delves into the tremendous challenges some parents haveto face, especially if their views on how to treat the syndrome don talign with the medical world s standards. Wakefield also includesnumerous studies and research trials that support the controversialyet significant roles that vaccines and diet play in autism, factors many medical professionals wrongfully dismiss.