Rebroadcast: Her family had always kept one relative a secret. She set out to uncover the truth.
Aug 29, 2024
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Jennifer Senior, an author who unearthed her family's hidden history, shares a poignant narrative about her aunt Adele, who was institutionalized at birth. Discover how a shocking family secret was revealed when Jennifer was just 12. She discusses the heartbreaking realities of institutionalization at Willowbrook State and reflects on the emotional reunion with Adele, emphasizing the importance of supportive environments. The podcast also explores the role of genetic testing in connecting family ties and the cultural significance of remembering those lost to history.
Jennifer Senior's discovery of her aunt Adele's institutionalization highlights the tragic consequences of societal attitudes towards disabilities in the mid-20th century.
The contrast between Adele’s experiences in an institution and a supportive group home emphasizes the importance of nurturing environments for individuals with disabilities.
Deep dives
Aunt Adele's Early Life and Institutionalization
Jennifer Sr. discovered her aunt Adele's tragic early life when she learned that Adele was born with an intellectual disability and was institutionalized shortly after her second birthday. This decision was influenced by the medical beliefs of the time, which deemed Adele's condition as incurable, leading her family to believe that sending her to an institution would be in her best interest. Jennifer's reflection on her mother’s memories reveals the conflicting emotions within the family, as her mother initially viewed Adele as an adored baby sister, while their grandparents faced immense pressure and misinformation from doctors, ultimately believing they were acting out of love by institutionalizing her. This heartbreaking context sets the stage for understanding the broader systemic issues surrounding the care of individuals with disabilities during the mid-20th century in America.
The Reality of Institutional Life
The conditions at institutions like Willowbrook, where Adele spent many years, highlighted the horrors associated with the practice of institutionalization. Reports from investigative journalists and personal assessments of Adele’s time there painted a grim picture of neglect and abuse, showcasing how insufficient staffing led to severe emotional and physical harm to residents. Jennifer reveals that, over the years, Adele's assessments indicated a significant decline in her cognitive abilities, believed to be a direct result of the horrific living conditions and lack of stimulation she experienced. This experience becomes a stark reminder of how institutionalization robbed individuals of their dignity and led to a tragic loss of potential.
Impact on Family Dynamics and Personal Legacy
Jennifer's journey to reconnect with Adele revealed the far-reaching implications of institutionalization on family dynamics and societal attitudes toward people with disabilities. Her visits with Adele later in life showcased the stark contrast between the nurturing environment she found at a group home and the neglect of her earlier years in an institution, highlighting the potential for growth and connection when provided with appropriate care. By tracing Adele's story, Jennifer not only sought to reclaim her aunt's identity within the family but also sparked a deeper conversation about the hidden genealogies of trauma and the need for recognizing and integrating neurodiverse individuals into everyday life. The emotional weight of understanding her aunt’s experiences prompted Jennifer to reflect on the broader social responsibilities to ensure that such tragedies do not repeat in future generations.
Growing up, Jennifer Senior thought her mom was an only child. But when she was 12 years old, she learned her mom had a sister, named Adele, who was institutionalized as a baby. Adele had spent almost her entire life separated from her family. Decades later, in 2021, Senior reconnected with her aunt and uncovered the dark history of institutionalizing children with intellectual disabilities. Senior wrote about her aunt’s story in The Atlantic and spoke with Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu about her experience.
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