The Doubting Dance: Contributions to a History of Parent/Professional Interactions in Early 20th Century America

The relationship of professionals with families of children and adults with intellectual disabilities is a key component in the planning and delivery of effective and enduring support set-vices. Yet, the history of such relationships is not well understood. After briefly describing the context for these relationships in the early 20th century, a thematic analysis is presented of correspondence between parents and professionals at one institution for people with intellectual disabilities during the early 1900s. The study concludes with a brief discussion of what we can learn from this troubled history to improve family/professional relationships.