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War Criminal’s Guide to Autism Treatment

Jul 31, 2020
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If you were unlucky enough to have to call upon Radovan Karadzic in the 1992-1994 period, as I was on one occasion while a reporter for the Associated Press, the expression "physician, heal thyself" will have a special meaning. Karadzic was a nutty psychiatrist who spent the war spouting lies, fantasies and racist horrors from the village of Pale, the mountain center of the Bosnian Serb enclave. One January I had to travel through snow and ice and Chetnik checkpoints–artillery bases from which shells and sniper bullets rained down upon the residents of Sarajevo–to visit Karadzic at Pale. The great poo-bah was indisposed, so I got his daughter Sonja, his "press spokesman" who was fat as Shelob and just as crazy and vicious. She tore up my Bosnian Serb "visa" and threatened to sic her dogs on me. Lovely family.
So what does a war criminal in hiding do to keep the wolf from the door? Alternative medicine is a good career path, since it’s full of credulous people who mistake the placebo effect for healing hands. Today’s British Guardian, under the headline, ‘Karadzic gave a massage to my wife and my daughters,’ tells how a Begrade family was duped by "Dr. David," a bearded, Dumbledore-looking fella who told them he’d been a faith healer in the United States. Among the details was that Karadzic supposedly helped an autistic boy become more sociable with his peers. To be sure, notes another Guardiancolumnist, "Just because Karadic was a war criminal, it doesn’t follow that all alternative practitioners are genocidal maniacs, and indeed many practitioners sincerely believe in what they are doing and want to help their clients. But there have surely been enough cases now of blatant recklessness if not outright deceit to confirm that practising alternative medicine is very often the last refuge of the scoundrel."
Camilo Wood

Camilo Wood

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Camilo Wood has over two decades of experience as a writer and journalist, specializing in finance and economics. With a degree in Economics and a background in financial research and analysis, Camilo brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his writing. Throughout his career, Camilo has contributed to numerous publications, covering a wide range of topics such as global economic trends, investment strategies, and market analysis. His articles are recognized for their insightful analysis and clear explanations, making complex financial concepts accessible to readers. Camilo's experience includes working in roles related to financial reporting, analysis, and commentary, allowing him to provide readers with accurate and trustworthy information. His dedication to journalistic integrity and commitment to delivering high-quality content make him a trusted voice in the fields of finance and journalism.
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