DURATION: 1 HOUR
Documentary which explores the controversy around ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis), an intensive intervention used to treat autism. Parents who want ABA for their children passionately believe that it is the best way to teach a child new skills and to help them function in mainstream society, but critics of ABA argue that it is dehumanising and abusive to try to eliminate autistic behaviour.
The film follows three-year-old Jack and four-year-old Jeremiah through their first term at Treetops School in Essex - the only state school in the UK which offers a full ABA programme. Neither boy has any language, Jeremiah finds it hard to engage with the world around him and Jack has severe issues with food. Both their parents have high hopes of the 'tough love' support that Treetops offers, but will struggle with their child's progress.
We also meet Gunnar Frederiksen, a passionate and charismatic ABA consultant who works with families all over Europe. His view of autism - that it is a condition that can be cured and that families must work with their child as intensively and as early as possible if they want to take the child 'out of the condition' - is at odds with the way that many view autism today.
Gunnar is working with three-year-old Tobias in Norway and has trained the parents so that they can work with him at home as his ABA tutors. He also introduces us to Richard, a 16-year-old from Sweden who was diagnosed with autism at the age of three and whose parents were told that he would be unlikely ever to speak. Today, Richard is 'indistinguishable from his peers' and plays badminton for the Swedish national team. In an emotional scene, Richard and his family look back at video recordings of the early ABA treatment and we are confronted both by the harshness of the method and the result of the intervention.
These and other stories are intercut with the views and experiences from those who oppose ABA and who argue that at the heart of ABA is a drive to make children with autism as normal as possible, rather than accepting and celebrating their difference. Lee, an autistic mother of a son who has Aspergers, describes how the drive to make her behave and act like a 'normal' child broke her, and how she was determined to accept her son for who he was.
The question of how far we accept autistic difference and how much should we push people with autism to fit into society's norms raises wider questions that affect us all - how do we achieve compliance in our children, how much should we expect children to conform and how far should parents push children to fit in with their own expectations?
Crouchinho said:I don't know if anybody ever watched the BBC 4 documentary - Autism - Challenging Behaviour
DURATION: 1 HOUR
Documentary which explores the controversy around ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis), an intensive intervention used to treat autism. Parents who want ABA for their children passionately believe that it is the best way to teach a child new skills and to help them function in mainstream society, but critics of ABA argue that it is dehumanising and abusive to try to eliminate autistic behaviour.
The film follows three-year-old Jack and four-year-old Jeremiah through their first term at Treetops School in Essex - the only state school in the UK which offers a full ABA programme. Neither boy has any language, Jeremiah finds it hard to engage with the world around him and Jack has severe issues with food. Both their parents have high hopes of the 'tough love' support that Treetops offers, but will struggle with their child's progress.
We also meet Gunnar Frederiksen, a passionate and charismatic ABA consultant who works with families all over Europe. His view of autism - that it is a condition that can be cured and that families must work with their child as intensively and as early as possible if they want to take the child 'out of the condition' - is at odds with the way that many view autism today.
Gunnar is working with three-year-old Tobias in Norway and has trained the parents so that they can work with him at home as his ABA tutors. He also introduces us to Richard, a 16-year-old from Sweden who was diagnosed with autism at the age of three and whose parents were told that he would be unlikely ever to speak. Today, Richard is 'indistinguishable from his peers' and plays badminton for the Swedish national team. In an emotional scene, Richard and his family look back at video recordings of the early ABA treatment and we are confronted both by the harshness of the method and the result of the intervention.
These and other stories are intercut with the views and experiences from those who oppose ABA and who argue that at the heart of ABA is a drive to make children with autism as normal as possible, rather than accepting and celebrating their difference. Lee, an autistic mother of a son who has Aspergers, describes how the drive to make her behave and act like a 'normal' child broke her, and how she was determined to accept her son for who he was.
The question of how far we accept autistic difference and how much should we push people with autism to fit into society's norms raises wider questions that affect us all - how do we achieve compliance in our children, how much should we expect children to conform and how far should parents push children to fit in with their own expectations?
It's up for grabs on torrents if anyone wants a link PM me
peoffrey said:Have you had any involvement from the National Autistic Society? They do good work with Autism / Asperger's Syndrome and have a plethora of services available. The early diagnosis is the most important step and everything will be easier from there.
I didn't know what Asperger's was when I was diagnosed at 30 and I've not bothered to tell some of the closest people in my life as they're used to me and my quirks. I just wish I'd known earlier and if I ever have my suspicions about someone I meet then I try and talk to them. Tests for Autism should be made as soon as possible and if we help one child then it's a job well done.
Have you had any involvement from the National Autistic Society?
Wardie said:Not really on topic as such but an excellent book to read regarding autism is 'The reason I jump' this has helped greatly with my son.
Wardie said:Blumooniac said:Hi.
As a primary teacher for 17 years, I would give State education a try before home schooling. Home schooling is a huge commitment both financially (time off work etc,) and in terms of time.
I don't know where you're based but I have taught a fair few kids with Autism over the years and not in "Posh" areas too.
I have 3 on the books as we speak.
In my experience, especially as he is only 4, you would not believe how supportive his classmates will be- Children really are amazing carers.
Furthermore, as I'm sure you already know, he will have so much to offer his friends.
It goes without saying that his teachers will provide for his pastoral and educational needs but that interaction with his peers will help him make sense of the world.
Ideally, a smaller school (one form entry,) would be an advantage- kids with Autism can sometimes be overwhelmed by large crowds.
Give it a go. If it doesn't work for him you can always change your mind.
All the best.
I would echo this sentiment my son is thriving in pre school it is small but it brings him on.
TimpBlue32 said:My son is 9 yrs old and has a rare genetic condition. This include being on the autistic spectrum. Don't underestimate what special needs schools can do for children or mainstream schools for that matter. Children need exposure to different environment and experiences irrespective of their capabilities. You will become the experts in understanding your child's needs and help with schooling.
I have followed City (season ticket holder for years except for the last 4yrs) and missed winning league, fa cup (went against Wigan) but I would not change a thing. I now go with my 6yr old and we are loving it. We will miss the capital one final as my eldest will be having spinal surgery but it will make it even more special when We finally see us lift a cup Live. Life is full of challenges and surprises its how you deal with them that is important. Love City.
mcfc1982 said:hey blue, my son was 2 when diagnosed with autism, was not talking and still in nappies when starting at school. on bad advice we sent him to a mainstream school and he was moved from reception down to preschool as they couldn't cope with him. 2 weeks later we pulled him out after lots of messing about. he now goes to a special needs school in Middleton, get picked up and dropped off on the bus everyday, lots of trips and with teachers that know what they are doing he is 9 now and thriving, totally dry (mainly us, but school helped loads) and cant shut him up talking.
same as your little one he loves cuddles and always wants to take care of smaller kids. the main issue with autism is that it is a spectrum disorder and what may be good for one is not for the other, so if you want to try a school have a look at special needs schools as well as mainstream, as mainstream can't always cope with the extra needs whatever they may be.
again if you need more help or a chat pm me
Crouchinho said:My son also got diagnosed last year. I've been in speech therapy with him and all sorts of ABA stuff. Hated the ABA as I think you try to make them conform into something they're not.
I take him to pre school with me 20 hours a week and he's doing very well. He's still not using enough words and he'll be 4 this year. I worry about him once he starts school all by himself but I think it's for the best.
There is a lady that pops in occasionally with her aspergers son and he is homeschooled. He has come along fine. I really cannot tell the difference with some of the kids on the spectrum and the ones who aren't, but I guess I haven't seen the high end of the spectrum cases!