We are engaged and compassionate parents

Wednesday, February 08, 2012

Shame on you for supporting Tony Humphreys’ article (Feelgood, Feb 3), which is a throw back to 50 years ago and blames the diagnosis of autism on the sins of the parents.

What a disgraceful, hurtful and blatantly misguided opinion to have.

Would the Irish Examiner support the words of someone who denies the holocaust? Maybe that’s a wild comparison, but to many people no less appropriate.

Mr Humphreys clearly does not know anyone personally living with autism and obviously has no children with the condition.

And I am happy for him that he does not, because the unbearable pain of living with a child with special needs, the fear you feel for someone you love so much, I would not wish on anyone. I, however, do have a child with autism. And I have a lot of friends who do. To suggest our role as parents had the ability to influence our children’s condition is repugnant.

You will not find a bunch of more caring, engaged, kind or compassionate parents.

Heather Anders
Dulwich
Australia

This appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Wednesday, February 08, 2012