Book Review: Children With Disabilities

Abstract

to brain injury manifested as autism. Wakefield's ostracization by medical authorities served to turn him into a folk hero and helped to radicalize the antivaccine movement. In chapter 5, Largent describes the cult of celebrity (highlighting Jenny McCarthy) associated with the antivaccine movement and how the media attention has fueled this movement. Chapter 6 and the concluding chapter are the most important reading in this book. Largent identifies as the underlying issue in the vaccine controversy the fact that scientists and public health officials seem to pontificate with an appeal to authority about vague public health issues, while parents want to be addressed individually and directly with answers about their specific child. As an example, Largent quotes Sybil Carlson who told the New York Times that she refused vaccines because ''I refuse to sacrifice my children for the greater good'' (p. 173). In his conclusions, Largent suggests that it is important to eliminate the polarizing rhetoric and have pediatricians spend enough time with parents to hear their concerns and address each issue particular to that child. This is an important book in the context of the current vaccine wars. Every pediatrician and pediatric specialist should not only read this book but also take to heart its message so that we can develop the strategies that will ensure that we protect all children from devastating childhood infectious diseases.