Research: Critical Case Rounds in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Separation, Autism, and Residential Treatment

Authored by Solomon, L., and Peltz L. in J Can Acad Child Adolesc Psychoatry, Volume 17, Issue 1, p. 26-29, (2008).

Article summary (posted May 21, 2008):

Therapy plans for children with autism should support the mother-child bond.

There are many children with autism in residential settings who receive drug therapy because of psychiatric symptoms. This paper describes a case study of an 11-year-old boy with autism who was removed from his familyâ??s home and placed in a residential setting. His mental health declined when he was taken away from his parents. The authors point out that doctors need to remember that children with autism can be very attached to their parents. As a result, they can feel trauma when taken from their parents.

A comment by Dr. Dua of the University of British Columbia in Canada goes on to describe how this case study goes against the idea of the "Refrigerator Mother." Even despite severe autism, children and mothers can become attached. The medical system should work to support that bond.

Links:

You can access the original abstract and the complete paper is sometimes available for free via Google Scholar (look for entries that say "PDF" or "HTML" on the right side of the page).
adolescent, autism, case study, doctor, drug, home, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), mental health, mother, parent, psychiatric, psychiatry, residential center, therapy, treatment
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