Outdated theory was outlined

I am writing regarding Friday’s article on autism.

I am sure that at this point you have observed the reaction from both parents with children on the autism spectrum and also families with ASD within their family.

The article outlines an outdated theory of autism, which has no empirical basis. A professional working within the field of autism would have provided a more informed opinion, based on their clinical experience with children with ASD, and/or Irish and international research.

Many parents are expressing their hurt that the area of ASD has been misrepresented. I would have expected the Irish Examiner to seek opinion from a professional with proven expertise within the area of ASD; clinical psychology is a very wide area, and no clinical psychologist has expertise in all areas. I would ask that the Irish Examiner revisit this area to provide a more informed coverage on a condition that is fairly common (1 in 100) and clinically very complex.

Dr Penny Rogers

Tullamore

Co Offaly