Refrigerator Mothers “Double Honors For New Film Exploring Autism And Parenting.”
[A film by David E. Simpson, J.J. Hanley, and Gordon Quinn, Kartemquin Educational Films. This is an organization announcement.]
http://click.topica.com/maaanxsaaSjcia4vAXvb/
Directly after PBS airs the World Broadcast Premiere of Refrigerator Mothers on July 16, 2002, the Autism Society of America will screen the film at their 2002 National Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorders, July 18, 2002 at 6 pm in Indianapolis.
Dr. Cathy Pratt of the Indiana Resource Center for Autism who is a member of the Board of Directors of the Autism Society of America and its 2002 Conference Chair says, “Refrigerator Mothers is an incredibly moving video. Anyone involved in the life of an individual with an autism spectrum disorder must see it. Quite simply, remarkable!”
From the 1950’s through the 1970’s, children with autism were widely thought to be victims of inadequate parenting. Influenced by Psychologist Bruno Bettelheim, mental health and medical professionals claimed that autism was the product of mothers who were cold, distant, rejecting unable to “bond properly.” They were labeled “refrigerator mothers.”
The film explores the stories of seven women, all but one of whom were told by psychologists or physicians that they were to blame for their child’s autism. The only exception, who is African-American, was told that her son could not be autistic because she did not fit the usual pattern: middle class, highly educated and white. She was told, instead, that her son must be emotionally disturbed.
Yet these courageous and resilient women refused to be crushed by the burden of blame. Today, they have strong, supportive relationships with their now adult sons and daughters and, in a variety of ways, have helped them to find their place in the world.
The video features historic broadcast interviews with Bettelheim himself, as well as excerpts from both Hollywood features and mental health “training films” of the period. Offering fascinating insights into the history of our understanding of mental illness and developmental disabilities, this fascinating and disturbing video raises questions that are of profound relevance today.
“Refrigerator Mothers” is a presentation of the Independent Television Service. 53 Minutes, Video Purchase $195 Rental $50/day, Order No. AR-346 Note: Prices listed are for institutional buyers. Parent Groups and Individuals who wish to obtain a copy may contact Fanlight Productions for pricing information.
Also Available from Fanlight, The Spectrum Of Autism, A film by Heidi Rosenthal http://click.topica.com/maaanxsaaSjcja4vAXvb/
This new release examines some of the most current research on autism, its diagnosis, its treatment, and its impact on children and their families. 34 Minutes, Video Purchase $195 Rental $50/day, Order No. AR-344* * *