Intelligent Love: The Story of Clara Park, Her Autistic Daughter, and the Myth of the Refrigerator Mother

Abstract

The term "Refrigerator Mother" was a controversial theory that emerged in the mid-20th century to explain the cause of autism. It suggested that mothers, particularly those who were emotionally cold and distant, were to blame for their children developing autism. The theory implied that the lack of maternal warmth and affection resulted in emotional deprivation, leading to the child's autistic behaviors and social difficulties.