Topic: Bruno Bettelheim
Our text discusses the good work that Bruno Bettelheim did therapeutically for the children in his school. You should know, however, that he has many very vocal critics based upon his view of the role of parenting as a possible cause of autism. Please link to and view the following:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQY2oB3Rqdg
Note: Obviously, these people have very strong feelings about Bettelheim. Please do not interpret their opinions as undisputed fact or as a viewpoint that I, as your Professor, am endorsing.
If you have restrictions on YouTube.com viewing, you can read the below article instead. It will give you the same information as the video:
http://neuroskeptic.blogspot.com/2010/09/refrigerator-mother.html
Although your text only briefly touches upon it, Bettelheim is often viewed as one of the major proponents of the “refrigerator mother†theory of autism. Do you believe that Bettelheim’s view has any validity? Why or why not? Are there are points he makes regarding problematic attachment in autistic individuals that could be helpful to a therapist?