BORN TO BE DIFFERENT is back on.

[TheOriginalFAB]

This Thursday at 9pm on channel four.

Neverbored welcome to MN.

I know of a child with the same condition as William whose parents really enjoy sharing your child's story. It's useful for people around her to understand the condition as well, and as we know (or hope) understanding promotes tolerance and a better environment for our kids to grow up in.

Hi, Neverbored (I bet you are never bored, my goodness...)

I am so pleased you came onto this thread.
I had never watched BTND before I came across the whole f-word controversy and I have been uneasy about some other TV programs featuring people with SN or medical conditions of some kind or another.

William, and the other children, are just lovely . They come across as great kids, which is what they are: kids.
I think you and the other parents are to be commended that you found the strength to agree to be filmed at a time that must have been very difficult for all of you.

Thank you.

I'm glad Catmilk reposted her original comment.

Only a moron would think she was actually calling disabled children freaks.

Has anyone posted this yet? I think it's the sort of thing Catmilk meant...

(Sorry if it's already been posted - there's only so much hysterical pitchfork waving I can be bothered to read through)

Well that was a sensitive post, on many levels

I'll be recording it to watch back in relative peace and quiet whilst DD is at school tomorrow.

I love it. It's so well made. Well done to all who were involved on the production team.

Why?

Just why?

MrsD - is that to me?

Have I upset you?

No, I assume it was to TakeItOnTheChins

Oh Mouse!

Now why would the thought of you recording it to watch in peace upset me?

No it was the massively insightful and original post by takeitonthechins.

Ah, yes. I actually didn't see that for some reason.

Great post by TakeItOnTheChins.

OK, ignoring the twunts in this thread...

Neverbored - I so understand your username. If ever I happen to bump into you (so unlikely, since we're at opposite ends of the country) I will go against my nature and hug you to bits.

I saw the first BTBD, with tears in my eyes and a growing bump. That bump is now a scarily bright 7 year old with ASD, ADHD (oppositional and hyperactive) and challenging behaviour. Said 7 year old has a 5 year old brother with quite severe ASD and hypermobility. If I get bored with anything, it's with picking up discarded clothes and nappies and fielding endless obsessive questions!

And I understand the behaviour from the last series - DS1 is often aggressive towards DS2, because he just can not deal with his squealing and lack of ability to do basic things, or speak.

Needless to say, I've followed BTBD ever since the first one, but just can't do it without a glass of wine. For all I deal with regarding my two, it does make me so thankful that my boys are physically mostly healthy, even if DS1 does seem to be swallowing/inhaling half the BNF, sometimes.

I expect you all think that the Mitchell and Webb sketch is making fun of disabled children

no, we think you are being a twunt. Hope that helps clarify things.

I think maybe you should read back through the thread, you seem to be missing the mark with your posts.

I just wanted to say how well I thought the programme was made, we are just at the beginning of finding a diagnosis for ds, and it was upsetting, inspiring and thought provoking to see what these children and their families are going through.

I am curious as to what Catmilk thought of it?

So TIOTC what is the point of the Mitchell and Webb sketch? Taking the piss out of any channel 5 documentry about children in general? Finding bullying amusing? What, the 'shoppers' taking pictures on their phones, laughing and pointing at a disfigured child is entertainment?

Maybe to you.

i'm sure if you asked M&W they would say the point is to let the people who watch these programmes and do get some of that voyeuristic pleasure out of it know that M&W are onto them.

didn't think it was a funny sketch, did think that M&W can be accused of doing the same, tbh, just with a slightly more oxbridge sheen, but nevertheless, i am sure they think they were making a point about hypocrisy.

Oh I know the M&W sketch immediately.

IMO it's about laughing at the Victorian peep show nature of certain 'programming'. Not terribly cleverly made but an attempt.

Or were you really saying poster that if we have SN kids and high standards on hate words we cannot process subtleties or have a sense of humour?

I know what the were getting at - taking the piss out of the genre.

But it came across as taking the piss out of the genre AND the parents/children involved.

'you cant see very well can you?'
Mum helping him dress and taking him out etc.

I like M&W a lot but I think their point could have been made better if they had used a different tack.

I expect that makes me over sensitive with no sense of humour though.

I'm watching it now. In tears at the shear determination of the children and parents.

Wow.

Neverbored (and the other families) thank you. Thank you for showing the reality all the good and the bad. My dh and I have watched since the beginning and watch in awe at the amazing parenting. I don't know how you stay so positive especially seeing that you now too have health problems.

I think this programme is produced perfectly it really does give a good idea, the best we'd ever get I think, at what life is like. Especially how wonderful these children are. They are a blessing. You can see the joy they bring.

Neverbored - fantastic name, very apt.

Thank you so much for sharing your life and your family with the nation. I think BTBD is an amazing programme. And as a full time carer to my son, I understand how hard your days are. But one thing I've noticed, is that you have always held your smile.

Thanks to you all for watching and your lovely messages. In response to the M&W sketch, I had to find it on youtube (don't get to watch much TV with dear William!). Must admit I was fairly unimpressed, I didn't find it funny and thought it belittled the high care needs that lots of special needs children have. I can see where they were coming from, but it demonstrated a complete lack of knowledge about some very vulnerable members of society. Some may find it funny, each to their own. I would have thought that two comedians, who are obviouisly intelligent, could have thought of something better. I am fairly difficult to offend (I think) and as a family we laugh about our own issues, William and I walking, for example, are the wobbly leading the wobblier, but we live it. If you want a different look at Disability please search YouTube for fulfilthewish, Bendrigg - see these special youngsters being able to acheive so much. Right time to get off my soap box and William needs some more medication! Thanks again for watching.