Negotiating autism: relations between parents and treatment staff

This study examines the relationship between parents of autistic children and the treatment centre staff at a state autistic association. There are three main points of disagreement between parents and staff including: the prospect of a cure, the nature of the child's affection, and the uniqueness of the child and how this is related to the possibility of institutionalisation. The nature of these disagreements, and the means by which they are negotiated, are examined and discussed.