Refrigerator Mothers 2002
Distributed by Fanlight Productions,, 4196 Washington St., Suite 2, Boston, MA 02131; 800-937-4113
Produced by David E. Simpson, J. J. Hanley, and Gordon Quinn
Director n/a
VHS, color, 54 min.
College - Adult
Parenting, Health Sciences, Child Development, Psychology
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
ALA Notable: ALA.gif
Reviewed by Rue Herbert, Head, Library Media Resources, University of South Florida, Tampa, Tampa
Refrigerator Mothers offers a poignant and compelling profile of seven mothers of autistic children. Because of the time period in which their children were born (the 1950s through the early 1970s), these women were labeled as “refrigerator mothers” who were unable to develop loving and nurturing bonds with their children, and ultimately were blamed for what is now understood to be a neurological disorder. Each woman discusses her struggles with feelings of guilt, shame, and anger.
Therapists of that time focused treatment more on the mothers than the children. Often children were removed from their families through the persistence of their therapists. Psychologist Dr. Bruno Bettelheim’s influential theories on child psychology and autism are examined, as well as challenges and criticisms to those theories. An important, separate issue is a raised regarding the single African American mother and son. Autism was considered to be a condition found in white, middle class, highly educated families. Therefore, her autistic son was not diagnosed as autistic initially, and treated as “simply emotionally disturbed”.
In addition to examining the effects of these diagnoses and treatments on the mothers and children, the program takes an unflinching look at how these families have ultimately coped with their differing situations. The now grown children are introduced throughout the program, adding dramatic insight into circumstances dealt with regularly by these individuals.
Refrigerator Mothers possesses high quality production values, and reflects intelligent sensitivity on the part of the filmmakers in delving into this remarkable and disturbing subject. The program is highly recommended for academic, health science, and public libraries.