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2926 (A Panel Discussion) Mothers From the Freudian/Psychoanalytic Era Respond to the Documentary: Refrigerator Mothers

Thursday, July 12, 2007: 1:15 PM-2:30 PM

Herberger Ballroom 5 & B (The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa)

Immediately after the film is shown, there will be a discussion. The psychogenic theory, now wholly discredited in the U.S. and most other countries, still holds sway over many professionals in the mental health, law, social work, and education professions in other countries, notably France and southern South America. Just as the world should never forget the infamous Holocaust, ASA should be in the forefront of reminding its members how easy it is for those in places of authority to dictate what their followers should think--no matter the damage. Each panelist will make brief comments after the film, and then have dialogue with the audience.

Most ASA conference participants are too young to remember those awful days but may have heard about Bruno Bettelheim, the prime proponent of the psychogenic theory.

The film captures the essence of what these mothers went through, but they are feisty and no longer timid--if they ever were.

Another benefit of the film is to show adults with autism in their 40s, 50s, which is rarely seen in documentaries or the media.

Learning Objectives:

Historical perspective
Appreciation of progress made

Content Area: Medicine and Research

Presenters:

Ruth Christ Sullivan, Ph.D.
Founder
Autism Services Center

Ruth Sullivan, Ph.D. is Founder/Executive Director of Autism Services Center in Huntington, WV, founder of National Association of Residential Providers for Adults with Autism and was the first elected president of the Autism Society of America. She has published books, book chapters, articles and for years was a columnist for the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disabilities. She was a consultant for “Rain Man” and her son, Joseph, an autistic savant, was one of the two major models for the character Raymond. In November 2005, she was appointed to the 32nd Institution on Rehabilitation Issues (IRI).

Eustacia Cutler, Writer, mother, of, Temple, Gr
Writer, mother of Temple Grandin

Mother of Temple Grandin, in her book, "A Thorn in My Pocket," writes movingly of her experience with the psychiatric profession in the early years of Temple's life.

J.J. Hanley, Author, mother
Producer of the documentary "Refrigerator Mothers"
Kartemquin Films

Mother, producer of "Refrigerator Mothers"

Mary Flanagan
Advocate; One of the mothers interviewed and portrayed in the documentary

Ms. Flanagan has been an advocate for many years in the Long Island, New York area. She was one of the mothers interviewed and appears in the documentary "Refrigerator Mothers."

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