Bernard Rimland | |
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| Born | November 15, 1928 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | November 21, 2006 (aged 78) San Diego, California, U.S. |
| Alma mater | San Diego State University (Bachelor's) Pennsylvania State University (PhD) |
| Known for | Autism: researched causes, epidemic, the thiomersal theory, and biomedical treatment. |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Psychology |
| Institutions | Autism Research Institute Autism Society of America Defeat Autism Now! |
Bernard Rimland (November 15, 1928 – November 21, 2006) was an American research psychologist, writer, lecturer, and influential person in the field of developmental disorders. Rimland's first book, Infantile Autism, sparked by the birth of a son who had autism, was instrumental in changing attitudes toward the disorder. Rimland founded and directed two advocacy groups: the Autism Society of America (ASA) and the Autism Research Institute.[1] He promoted several since disproven theories about the causes and treatment of autism, including vaccine denial, facilitated communication, chelation therapy, and false claims of a link between secretin and autism. He also supported the ethically controversial practice of using aversives on autistic children.
- ^ Carey, Benedict (November 28, 2006). "Bernard Rimland, 78, Scientist Who Revised View of Autism, Dies". New York Times. Retrieved 15 May 2014.