The Blame on Mothers and the Fight for Support

In the 1960s, the prevailing belief about the cause of autism was that mothers, particularly those with professional or intellectual aspirations, were to blame. Clara Park, the mother of an autistic daughter named Jessica, faced this blame when seeking help for her child. Clara's meticulous notes on Jessica's behavior were used against her, further confirming the blame placed on her. Despite the blame, Clara's love for her daughter and determination to find support and understanding led her to seek help at the Hampstead Clinic in London. There, she was treated with respect and her observations were valued. Clara's experience with other parents at the clinic, as well as her correspondence with psychologist Bernard Rimmland, inspired her to advocate for better understanding and support for autistic children. Clara's efforts laid the groundwork for a movement that shifted the blame away from mothers and towards a focus on understanding the biological aspects of autism.