DALLAS — Autistic children removed from their families is just part of the story autism authors John Donvan and Caren Zucker will share at Misericordia University March 28.
The story about autism reveals a turbulent time as well as positive stories of communities helping autistic individuals, according to Donvan and Zucker.
Donvan and Zucker, nationally known journalists and authors of “In a Different Key: The Story of Autism” will discuss their book at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 28 in the Lemmond Theater in Walsh Hall at Misericordia University.
The duo wants to encourage compassion and understanding in society to continue the acceptance of those with the condition.
Autism is a cognitive disorder that covers a spectrum of impairments to a person’s verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions and behavior.
“Our biggest goal is to get people outside of autism” to understand many of these individuals can live rewarding lives with the support of their community,” Donvan said in a phone interview.
“We need to look at the past and learn from the past to move forward in the future,” Zucker said.
The issue of autism has a personal connection for both Donvan and Zucker as Donvan’s brother-in-law and Zucker’s son live with the condition.
Today, individuals with autism are supported by families, Zucker and Donvan said.
Just over three decades ago, autistic children were institutionalized in mental health facilities, Donvan said. Parents were told to “focus on your other children,” he said.
“Autistic children were taken away from their families and locked up in institutions up until the 70s,” Donvan said.
“Mothers were blamed for the disorder,” Zucker said.
The case of Donald opened a new understanding of the possibilities available to high functioning autistic people.
Donald, now in his 80s, was the first diagnosed case of autism described in the literature, Donvan said.
Donald was placed in a mental health facility as recommended by the family’s trusted health professional.
But his parents reconsidered the decision and pulled him out, Donvan said.
At home, “Donald’s language skills grew,” he said.
Donald has traveled outside of the country, plays golf daily and drives, he said.
Other cases of people who remained in mental health institutions “folded in on themselves because they did not receive the support Donald did,” Donvan said.
Donald’s story shows how society got it right,” Zucker said.
