The combination of social, cognitive and communicative deficits associated with autism has contributed to a unique and complex relationship between parents and professionals who serve these individuals. This relationship has changed over time from one in which parents were blamed for their children's autism to the present situation in which the emphasis is on a parent-professional partnership. This paper addresses some of the roots of non-productive parent-professional interactions related to individuals with autism and suggests some standards which might lead to more fruitful and positive relationships.
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