New Delhi, Oct. 15 -- Collin Gosselin is challenging the public account of his childhood in a new memoir, alleging that the family life viewers watched on Jon & Kate Plus 8 concealed abuse, isolation and a prolonged separation from his father. His mother, Kate Gosselin, has previously denied abuse and defended her decision to seek institutional treatment for him.

Surviving the Reality of My Childhood, released October 13, sets out Collin's account of events before and during his stay at a behavioral health facility. Now 22, he has discussed the book in interviews with USA TODAY, NPR and ABC News, describing a childhood he says differed sharply from the family's television image.

The allegations remain disputed. The Eastern Herald has no...