Photo: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Parents Demand Action to Combat Autism Stigma Amid Discredited Blame Culture
Parents are rallying against the stigma of refrigerator mothers and misinformation linking autism to vaccines and paracetamol, calling for a change in understanding during pregnancy.
- The harmful stereotype of refrigerator mothers from the 1950s wrongly blamed maternal behavior for autism, a concept now discredited yet still influencing perceptions today.
- Recent claims by figures like Donald Trump suggest links between paracetamol use during pregnancy and developmental disorders, including Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, despite lacking scientific support.
- Parents of neurodivergent children are urging society to reject unfounded blame and misinformation about autism and the autism spectrum, emphasizing the need for accurate education and understanding.
Why It Matters
Addressing the stigma surrounding autism and misinformation is crucial for fostering a supportive environment for neurodivergent individuals. This movement highlights the need for science-based education to combat outdated beliefs and societal biases.