Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
SN children

Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.

Original poster

louis theroux documentary on autism

170 replies

sphil · 10/04/2012 23:09

Next week, 19th April, 9pm on BBC2. It's called 'Extreme Love' - blurb says it focuses on young people attending an innovative school in the US.

Will watch - I like his programmes as a rule.

OP posts:
bochead · 15/04/2012 13:33

I'm NT and wouldn't react well to a whole camera crew chasing me into my bedroom - it's so rude! I'm not a confrontational person but know that would bring down the red mist at having my privacy violated to that extent.

Amberlight - you raise a very valid point.

coff33pot · 15/04/2012 20:57

To DS his room is his sanctuary. If he had been followed like that and still disturbed it would result in a lot of verbal "leave me alone!" plus screaming whilst the offending party would be bombarded with anything he could get his hands on.

Original poster
sphil · 15/04/2012 23:26

Yes Ds2 too. If he is upset and goes to his room, I have to leave
him for a while, as he will tell me to go away or 'stop' if I try to sympathise. He often goes up there, removes his clothes and puts his pj bottoms on - I had recognised it as a sensory thing, but had assumed it was simply tactile overload. Hadnt really thought of it being a way of reducing other kinds of sensory stress, but that does makes sense now I think about it - thanks Amber.

OP posts:
zzzzz · 16/04/2012 14:34

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

lifeisfuckinggreat · 16/04/2012 17:38

Just watched some of Louis americas medicated kids and I hated it. I felt he manipulated the answers of the 11year old to try and make him out to be an attention seeker. What an arsehole. Don't think I'll be watching 'extreme love' the title alone is enough to make me want to want to punch him.

lifeisfuckinggreat · 16/04/2012 17:42

amberlight agree, agree, agree with everything you've said.

Ben10NeverAgain · 19/04/2012 10:19

This is tonight as a reminder.

This is an article about it from Louis Theroux

coff33pot · 19/04/2012 11:39

Thanks for the link!

I am still hmmmmmmming about it though.

I still think its a pick kids to bits on TV then put it all back together again.

How can you call Autism a "trend" Confused

I would be more keen if Louis had the heading of "Insight into how better the USA is in providing the best care and nurturing to children with Autism and how are government fails them" THAT would grab my attention.

Ben10NeverAgain · 19/04/2012 11:44

I'll still watch it though... I seem to be drawn to any program re disability and SN now in some macabre way.Confused

bialystockandbloom · 19/04/2012 11:54

I've just read the feature on the news homepage (written by Louis Theroux) and it seems to focus so much on violence and tantrums - it only very, very briefly mentions communication and even then not really appropriately, so not sure he really understands what ASD is all about. The article seems to imply that ASD is more a mental illness or that autistic people are psychopathic- eg focussing heavily on one boy who 'burnt the house down and attacked his mother' but now is fine under 'psychiatric medication' Hmm

I normally like LT a lot, but as a pp said, he makes docs which invite the viewer to raise eyebrows and boggle at extreme behaviour (eg the neo-con homophobic evangalists). Sincerely hope tonight's doc doesn't do the same.

Wonder if the school is an ABA one?

silverfrog · 19/04/2012 12:03

the school is an ABA one, which further adds to my worries about perceptions of ABA (given it seems highly likely to be linked with extreme challenging behaviours)

the only myth which the programme seems to be out to dispel is the savant link, and the perennial bloody Rainman idea...

I am out tonight, so might see what reviews you lot give it before watching Grin

coff33pot · 19/04/2012 12:35

I am going to have to watch it purely because I know its on now and curriosity prevails........

Original poster
sphil · 19/04/2012 12:43

I am out too, so will await the MN verdict - the MN SN verdict of course! Grin

OP posts:
bochead · 19/04/2012 17:02

In all the reading I've done around the subject, I've never before come across a link betwwen autism & arson. Am I just very sheltered? Hmm There are nough existing stereotypes without having to be asked if DS is a firestarter by every caring carrot I come across.

Voidka · 19/04/2012 17:06

I will be watching. I hope he doesnt strengthen the myth that ASD = violent.

LT is known for going to the extreme of most things, so will bear that in mind.

Ben10NeverAgain · 19/04/2012 21:03

I'm already cross with him. He could see that the guy didn't want to speak to him and then the mum told him and he kept going.....

festi · 19/04/2012 21:07

just tuned in. not keen on his approach so far, but maybe by the end we will see how he has been educated.

coff33pot · 19/04/2012 21:11

Still getting kids to bed so using i player at ten instead.

festi · 19/04/2012 21:11

he looks very uncomfortable

festi · 19/04/2012 21:13

OMG why is she resraining him, is it me or did she just esculate this situation. poor child

lisad123 · 19/04/2012 21:14

Why did she need to do that? He was hitting out but could have just left him! Confused

festi · 19/04/2012 21:15

i did not like that one bit then he appologised wtf for

Ben10NeverAgain · 19/04/2012 21:16

:(

Ben10NeverAgain · 19/04/2012 21:18

I love Nicky

ArthurPewty · 19/04/2012 21:18

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.