Hi everyone! Got back yesterday evening.
It was really good. Nothing radical or amazing but I wasn't expecting that. All staff were lovely and very professional. I think their assessment of dd was really accurate and the programme they have given us is good. I do wonder slightly how 'individually tailored' their programmes are as it does appear that every child who goes there is given a sensory massage as part of it for e.g!
I think for me, the most important aspect was that it has re-focussed me and given me a set plan of things to do so that I don't just sit there thinking 'oh I should be doing some therapy with dd but what do I do?'.
I also think it will fit in well with the ABA programme and am sure her tutors will enjoy doing some of the sensory and physio stuff as 'breaks' in the ABA teaching.
Also HUGE PLUS - it was probably even more useful for dh. Tbh he has never really shown much interest in dd's therapy but I think that is probably because it has been hard for him to be involved. I think the 3 days at BIBIC really inspired him. At the end of it I tentatively said "maybe you could do some of her programme at the weekends" and he replied that he thought he would really LIKE to do it. He also said he enjoyed chatting to the other families there (he has always avoided 'disability') and could finally understand why I get so much out of mumsnet!! So, for me, even if we got nothing else out of going, that would be enough!
DD of course loved having so much attention for 3 days. She is also doing so well at the moment. Lots of things seem to be 'clicking' into place. Not sure if it is because of the ABA/BIBIC stuff but suddenly she is imitating loads (was copying her 3 year old cousin stacks at the weekend) and we are seeing much more imaginiative play (teddy waving, jumping, clapping etc, often un-prompted) and the other night in the bath she actually washed herself - took the flannel from me and rubbed it all over her tummy, then down her legs etc - was flabbergasted!!
Sorry - rambled a bit - just feeling enthusiastic!