From ‘Refrigerator Mothers’ to Empowered Advocates: The Evolution of the Autism Parent
Michelle Cleary, Sancia West, Loyola McLean
Abstract
A historical perspective offers a chance to reflect on unfolding narratives. The emergence of the diagnosis of autism attracted some positions of blame for "refrigerator mothers". With ensuing neuroscience and developmental research and more nuanced biopsychosocial models, this gave way to notions of strong neurological contributions to the disorder and the positive role of parents supporting the regulation of their child. The notion of co-regulation then emerges with collective agency by parents to offer advocacy and support for those with ASD and their parents and an important role in educating society around the needs and value of those with ASD.
Topics & Concepts
Biopsychosocial modelAgency (philosophy)BlameAutismPerspective (graphical)NarrativeValue (mathematics)PsychologyDevelopmental psychologySocial psychologySociologyPsychiatrySocial scienceMachine learningLinguisticsArtificial intelligencePhilosophyComputer scienceAutism Spectrum Disorder ResearchFamily and Disability Support ResearchChild Development and Digital Technology