A Tribute to Eric Schopler (1927-2006)

A 2005 video autobiography of Dr. Eric Schopler, Professor of Psychiatry and Psychology at The University of North Carolina -Chapel Hill for more than 40 years and a pioneer in the humane and effective treatment of autism. In an era when parents were blamed for causing what was felt to be a psychological problem, Eric was one of the first to use empirical research to establish the true, neurological basis of autism and its effective treatment--treatment that included parents as co-therapists. More information at http://ericschopler.blogspot.com/ Produced by Larry Gardner, Digifonics, Inc.

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[websterwb]

As parents, we had gone through a convoluted and arduous journey, that finally led us to Dr. Schopler. After his evaluation, without a word, he took us into his office, looked at us, took a long draw from his pipe, slowly exhaled and then without preamble, said "there is no way you could have caused this."

There is no way I can describe the sense of relief, joy and sadness - it was as if the heavens parted and the sun shown through. It gave the energy to see us through the journey ahead.

[ABAisSCIENCE]

Yeah, I read "The Empty Fortress: Infantile Autism and the Birth of the Self" by Bruno Bettelheim and the only word that could be said is "disgusting." What I've heard is that TEACCH has great methods for controlling the environment. I wish I knew more, but what I love is how the similarity of parent involvement that I know of in the intervention I know about. That's great!