

Part Two: Bruno Bettelheim and The Quest To Make a "Good" Concentration Camp
29 snips Feb 27, 2025
Alison Raskin joins the discussion to delve into the controversial legacy of Bruno Bettelheim, a Holocaust survivor turned child psychologist. They explore how his methods for treating "emotionally disturbed" children veered into troubling territory, often prioritizing control over care. The dialogue illuminates the abusive practices at his orthogenic school and critiques the historical pathologization of childhood behaviors. Raskin also addresses misconceptions around autism, urging a reevaluation of harmful narratives that persist today.
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Alison's Mental Health Journey
- Alison Raskin discusses her personal experience with OCD and early treatment.
- She emphasizes the importance of taking children's mental health seriously, setting the stage for the discussion about Bettelheim.
Judging Historical Figures
- Robert Evans and Alison Raskin discuss the nuance of judging historical figures in the context of their time.
- While acknowledging the importance of mental health care, they highlight Bettelheim's harmful approach.
Changing Diagnoses
- Robert Evans and Alison Raskin discuss the evolution of mental health diagnoses.
- They point out how freely children were diagnosed with serious conditions like psychosis in Bettelheim's era, unlike today.