ABA TV documentary - 5 Nov, 9pm, BBC Four

[sickofsocalledexperts]

Just to let anyone interested in ABA know that there is a BBC Four documentary coming up - Tuesday 5 Nov at 9pm. It is called Autism: Challenging Behaviour.

It features partucularly Treetops school, for the at least one mumsnetter on here who I think might be considering that school.

Nb - hope I am not contravening MN rules, but I have no vested interest in the programme, except being a big ABA fan and pleased that the message is finally getting out.

[LuvMyBoyz]

I've been keen to learn more about the much-mentioned ABA so thanks, sickof...I'll be watching.

[sickofsocalledexperts]

The documentary examines both sides of the debate, so I think it is very fair. Treetops comes out very well - and I would say that Lesley Love comes out of it as the Mr Mitchell of the autism world (for Educating Yorkshire fans!)

[StarlightMcKenzie]

I have seen this and agree it is an excellent documentary. It was disappointing that the type of (natural environment) ABA we did was not represented (it focussed more on the discrete trial teaching)but I have to acknowledge that it is in general so far from mainstream that it would be too much to get into the detail in the short space of time.

I suspect too, that good alternatives to traditional ABA were also not presented as it was shown alongside the usual provision, and I am sure that also isn't reflective of some practices.

Having said all of that, I am immensely pleased that it has been made and think that it was made very well.

[FreshWest]

Thanks, will watch out for that. Dd just this week started in ss where they use ABA so it will be v interesting.

[doozie1]

My sons featuring on this programme, really looking forward to it!!! Great school , fab staff xxx

[sickofsocalledexperts]

I wish there were a Treetops state ABA school in every town!

[doozie1]

We are lucky I know, although jumped through hoops of fire to get him in there!!! Moved in borough, 3 months school missed, fighting authorities and £6000 poorer(solictors fees etc) and a husband who couldn't cope!!!!!!!! Would still do it all again if I had too!!!!!!

[doozie1]

Although I'd kick him to the kerb if I had to do it again!!!!!!lol

[sickofsocalledexperts]

Did you watch "Educating Yorkshire", Doozie?

I reckon Lesley Love is the Mr Mitchell of the autism world!

[sickofsocalledexperts]

For anyone interested, there is a webchat on 6 Nov with the director of this BBC documentary on ABA

www.talkaboutautism.org.uk/page/liveevents/help.cfm

[blueShark]

thank you sickof, I will not miss it.

[StarlightMcKenzie]

Bump

[sickofsocalledexperts]

Excited! Think Lesley Love is a star in the programme!

[stillstanding29]

Oooh thanks - will set it to record.

[cansu]

I am watching this and just feel so depressed that there is this great intervention that is not being used in our schools because of an outdated attitude. Why do professionals keep trotting out the early beginnings of ABA as an excuse not to use it? it has developed massively. We are really failing our children in this country. It just pisses me off tbh. The programme is v good by the way. I am crossing my fingers that Jack's mum hangs on in with the school as it is just such a massive life changing skill for him to be able to eat. My ds had huge issues around food and now eats everything. He didn't go to an ABA school but was taught to eat in an ABA way.

[Norem]

Just cried watching this programme, watching Jack enjoy his meal was incredible. Don't know much about autism but thought all the parents were inspirational.

[RinkyDinkyDoo]

Oh yes, I was saying, "go on eat that sausage" with tears rolling down my cheeks. Good programme.x

[NewBlueCoat]

cansu, you are right, It is depressing that ABA is still ignored and written off due to it's beginnings.

It is not always the right answer. I have a child at an ABA school, and for now it is right. I can see a time where it might not be, though. But for now we focus on the positives, and the progress that has been made is enormous.

[StarlightMcKenzie]

The BBC twitter newsfeed is full of anti-ABAers.

[salondon]

What Cansu said! I hope some LEA staff watched it

[StarlightMcKenzie]

I admire Patience greatly.

It must take unbelievable resilience to know your child has been failed to such an extent. I find most in her position go into denial instead and their hopelessness and bitterness drives them to aggressively attack ABA.

[Sheeparefluffy]

That's one of the hardest autism documentary that I've watched!

So tough for them but the improvements were amazing!

[cansu]

I think Patience is incredible but I feel so angry for her that she has been put in that situation where she has been left to fend for herself.

[NewBlueCoat]

yes, cansu. being put into that position is appalling.

and yet so many people are.

as was said in the programme, there is a silent network of parents doing home programmes (or as close to it as they can, funds and time allowing) which no one speaks about.

it is shocking.

[zen1]

This his given me hope that there is a method that may help DS eat normally. Jack really reminded me of DS (even down to the jars of babyfood) and everyday is a battle to get him to eat. For 2 years I have listened to 'experts' tell me that he needs to do more messy play before he will eat properly, but he's made no progress at all. I'm going to read up and have a go with the ABA myself.