A clarification
January 1, 2007 by Kristina Chew, PhD
Filed under Health
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.
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).
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.
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.
Thanks—I need to be a bit more careful too, I guess.
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.
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.
I certainly understood your post, Kristina, & did not find it confusing… I was, however, very confused by demcconel’s response…