Addressing Parental Blame in Autism Support (Blame Shifting)

A Guide for Parents Facing Blame With Their Autistic Child

The experience of raising a child with autism can be a challenging and rewarding journey. However, for many parents, the path is fraught with misunderstanding, judgement, and, often, blame from the very professionals they turn to for support. This article, drawing from our own experiences and using evidence and quotes from the ADASS Autism and Parental blame research project, aims to equip parents with knowledge and strategies to navigate the often-disheartening landscape of parental blame, ensuring they feel empowered to advocate for their child’s needs while prioritising their own well-being.

Recognising the Prevalence of Parental Blame

Parental blame is a pervasive issue within the support systems designed to assist families of autistic children. The ADASS study highlights that this blame originates from various places, including society, family and friends, and, most concerningly, professionals in health, education, and social care.

The study reveals a staggering statistic: “86% of parents participating in our survey felt their parenting was criticised prior to a formal autism diagnosis.” This statistic underscores the widespread nature of the problem and emphasises that blame is often directed at parents even before a formal diagnosis is established.

What are the Forms of Parental Blame?

The sources detail several ways in which parental blame manifests, often leaving parents feeling isolated, disempowered, and misunderstood. Recognising these forms can help parents identify and address the blame they might be experiencing.

• Criticisms of Parenting Abilities: Parents are often told that their child’s behavior is a result of inadequate parenting skills. Professionals might suggest that parents are “not cross enough” or that they need to implement stricter discipline, failing to recognise the complexities of parenting an autistic child.
• Dismissal and Disbelief: Professionals may minimise or disregard parents’ concerns about their child’s development, leading parents to feel unheard and invalidated. One parent describes this experience, saying, “It was implied that my child’s anxiety was triggered by me being overprotective and that I am preventing my child from being resilient. It was implied that I am the reason my daughter was failing to thrive, and that she was fine when I am not around.”
• Accusations of FII: Perhaps the most distressing form of blame is the accusation of Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII), where professionals suspect parents of exaggerating or even causing their child’s symptoms. This can lead to child protection investigations, creating significant stress and trauma for families. One parent shares their experience, saying, “The head of year at the mainstream school my child attended accused me of FII and made several reports to children’s services. These reports were eventually considered to be vexatious because of the amount and frequency.”

Empowering Yourself: Strategies for Navigating Parental Blame

The report, while highlighting the prevalence and impact of parental blame, also offer empowering strategies for parents to navigate this challenging terrain. These strategies focus on building resilience, advocating effectively, and prioritising well-being to prevent parental burnout.

1. Seek Support and Validation: Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Connecting with other parents of autistic children and autism advocacy organisations can provide invaluable support, validation, and guidance. Sharing experiences with those who understand can help reduce feelings of isolation and empower you to advocate more effectively.

2. Document Interactions with Professionals: Keep detailed records of conversations, assessments, and recommendations from professionals. This documentation can be crucial if you need to challenge decisions or advocate for your child’s needs. Meticulous record-keeping can also help identify patterns of blame and provide evidence if you need to raise concerns about professional misconduct.

3. Advocate for Your Child’s Needs: Be assertive and persistent in seeking appropriate support and services for your child. Equip yourself with knowledge about your child’s rights and the available resources. Don’t hesitate to challenge decisions that you believe are not in your child’s best interest.

4. Harness Your Expertise: As a parent, you are the expert on your child. Trust your instincts and observations. Don’t allow professionals to dismiss your knowledge or undermine your expertise. Use your knowledge to advocate effectively and ensure your child receives the individualised support they need.

One parent, reflecting on their experience of advocating for their child, states: “Due to parental blame, I have undertaken numerous courses to better equip myself when trying to access services. It has helped as I have a better understanding of the language, and the system.” This quote emphasises the importance of parents empowering themselves with knowledge to navigate the complexities of the support systems.

Calling for Systemic Change: Moving Beyond Blame

While individual strategies can empower parents, addressing the root causes of parental blame requires systemic change within professional practices and societal attitudes. The report advocates for several crucial shifts:

1. Improved Professional Understanding of Autism: Comprehensive training for professionals is essential, particularly those who regularly interact with children, to enhance their understanding of autism.

Key areas for training include:

• Recognising Autism in Girls and Individuals who Mask: Professionals need to move beyond stereotypical presentations of autism and recognize that girls and individuals who mask their traits might present differently.
• Understanding Sensory Sensitivities and Communication Differences: Professionals should receive training on sensory sensitivities and communication differences commonly experienced by autistic individuals, enabling them to create supportive and inclusive environments.
• Developing Strategies for Supporting Autistic Individuals: Professionals need to be equipped with practical strategies for supporting autistic individuals in various settings, promoting inclusion and participation.

2. Embracing a Partnership Approach: The report advocates for a shift from a hierarchical model of professional-parent interaction to a collaborative partnership, where parents are recognised as valuable contributors and experts on their child’s needs. Shout it from the rooftops – CO-PRODUCTION!!

This partnership approach involves:

• Active Listening and Belief: Professionals must prioritise active listening and believe parents’ accounts of their child’s experiences, creating a safe space for open communication.
• Shared Decision-Making: Parents should be actively involved in decision-making processes that affect their child, ensuring their perspectives and insights are valued.
• Respect for Parental Expertise: Professionals need to acknowledge and respect parents’ unique knowledge of their child’s needs, recognising that parents are invaluable partners in developing effective support strategies.

3. Challenging Professional Biases: Professionals should engage in self-reflection to identify and address personal biases that might influence their interactions with families. This introspection can help dismantle preconceived notions about parenting and autism, leading to a more objective and empathetic approach.

4. Advocating for Systemic Accountability: There is a need for mechanisms to hold professionals accountable for false or malicious accusations of FII. These accusations can have devastating consequences for families, and systems must be in place to ensure fairness and prevent the misuse of child protection procedures.

5. Increased Resources and Support:

This is not just increased funding and resources to support families of autistic children. It includes:

• Reduced Diagnostic Waiting Times: Reducing waiting times for autism assessments can alleviate the stress and uncertainty families face, enabling them to access support sooner.
• Expanded Support Services: Increasing the availability of support services, such as parent support groups, respite care, and autism-specific therapies, can provide families with essential resources and reduce feelings of isolation.

Conclusion: Building a More Supportive Future

Parental blame represents a significant barrier to accessing appropriate support for autistic children and their families. Dismantling this culture of blame requires a dedicated desire and approach involving individual empowerment, professional accountability, and systemic change. Parents can navigate the challenging landscape of blame, becoming strong advocates for their children while safeguarding their own well-being. Simultaneously, it is imperative for professionals to reflect on their practices, challenge biases, and commit to a partnership approach that values parental expertise.

Ultimately, creating a more supportive and understanding environment for families of autistic children requires a collective effort to move beyond blame and embrace collaboration, empathy, and a shared commitment to ensuring that every autistic child thrives.