Parents of Children with Autism: An Ethnography

Skyrocketing rates of autism diagnoses have led teams of scientists and researchers to invest extensive amounts of funds and energy in the study of autism genes, causes, and cures. Such research focuses on autism as an entity, not necessarily those affected by autism. Conversely, this book explores the autism world by considering the everyday experiences of living with autism. Displaying the unique perspective of parents of children with autism by recounting parents' stories, this ethnography demonstrates the diffi culties of the early moments of becoming an autism parent: obtaining the offi cial diagnosis, receiving Early Intervention services, and navigating relationships with friends, family, and loved ones. Through descriptive fi eld notes from an eighteen-month study, de Wolfe examines the uniqueness of parents' circumstances as they are shaped by their children's diagnosis. Parents of Children with Autism provides an intimate glimpse into the lives of autism parents who advocate tirelessly for and celebrate fully the lives of their children, one day at a time.

In a readable and highly accessible ethnographic account that is shaped by the stories of families and the voices of parents, De Wolfe examines how parents of children with autism navigate the educational and medical systems, understand their own and their children's bodies, and support and educate one another.

Juliette de Wolfe holds a PhD in Anthropology and Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, USA.

1. Anthropologizing Experiences of Autism
2. Meet the Parents
3. Re-charting Territories, Redefining Roles: The Issue of Relationships
4. Peculiarities and Particularities: The Issue of Bodies
5. Navigations and Limitations: The Issue of Institutions
6. Sharing and Fighting: The Issue of Communication and Education
Concluding Remarks