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Autism Vox

A clarification

by Kristina Chew, PhD on January 1st, 2007

Demcconel left this comment yesterday on the post Autism is just a label for kids who need more parenting:

I have not read Kristina Chew, PH.D’s book, nor do I plan to. Perhaps she should spend time around kids with autism and their families before shooting her mouth off.

I just wished to clarify: I did not write the book referred to in the post, Home-Alone America: The Hidden Toll of Day Care, Behavioral Drugs, and Other Parent Substitutes, which is by Mary Eberstadt and was published in 2004.

I am writing a book, about life with my autistic son Charlie that I plan to entitle Autismland, and that will draw heavily on my writing about Charlie on my weblog, also entitled Autismland.

Apologies for any confusion.

POSTED IN: Books, Family, Parenting, Psychology, Weblogs

7 opinions for A clarification

  • Carol
    Jan 1, 2007 at 2:16 pm

    I was very confused when I first saw the original blog article mentioned here, because like some readers, I initially attributed it to Kristina Chew. I had to do a double-take before I realized that she was quoting another author. I think the confusion could have been avoided if you (Dr Chew) would have included a commentary of your own about the book instead of merely quoting the author. Personally, if I were to quote such absolute drivel, I would want to make sure that readers knew where I stood (firmly on the far opposite side of the fence).

  • Kristina Chew, PhD
    Jan 1, 2007 at 4:29 pm

    Thanks, Carol—to add to the confusion, i was quoting an article that was not written by Eberstadt, but was another writer’s take on her book. I really appreciate your pointing this out.

  • Daisy
    Jan 1, 2007 at 11:00 pm

    I was surprised by the comment suggesting that you spend time with autistic children — this person doesn’t know your background at all. All of us need to be careful not to assume.

  • Kristina Chew, PhD
    Jan 2, 2007 at 12:02 am

    Thanks—I need to be a bit more careful too, I guess.

  • Ian Parker
    Jan 2, 2007 at 3:32 am

    I thought you were pretty clear, and the first few words of the quote “She [Mary Eberstadt] argues…” makes it clear who is the one who thinks that ‘autism is a label for kids who need more parenting’. I think that sometimes people sacrifice comprehension for speed when reading.

  • Mike
    Jan 2, 2007 at 8:35 am

    I echo Ian Parker’s comment.

    When I first read the comment from “demcconel” I realized the individual did not know you or the service you provide to this community.

  • Lisa/Jedi
    Jan 2, 2007 at 11:41 am

    I certainly understood your post, Kristina, & did not find it confusing… I was, however, very confused by demcconel’s response…

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