I get the impression that section was very much from the authors view.
Whilst I know nothing of bringing up a child with such a condition I do know other close to me that have had to care for someone full time. And to be frank most of the time they would have looked "astonished" by such a question but take the opportunity to discus the matter, see what can be done to help the situation (in case close to me, such a conversation lead to them having a outside help every once in while so the carer could have a break).
Whilst I know nothing of bringing up a child with such a condition I do know other close to me that have had to care for someone full time. And to be frank most of the time they would have looked "astonished" by such a question but take the opportunity to discus the matter, see what can be done to help the situation (in case close to me, such a conversation lead to them having a outside help every once in while so the carer could have a break).