Parenting a child with an autism spectrum disorder: Public perceptions and parental conceptualizations

In the middle part of the 20th century, parents were frequently blamed for causing autism. Although this idea is no longer prevalent in professional circles, this qualitative study indicates that parents still experience blame from community members and extended family. Eleven parents of children with autism participated in two focus groups. This qualitative study examined themes of parent blame as well as parents\u27 own conceptualizations of autism. Results indicate that parents experienced blame for their children\u27s autism-related behavior from the public and extended family, but most parents viewed the child with autism in positive ways. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC