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environments that let people shine in their own way

longman

I watched a television programme about Autistic Gardening (don't know if it is a new series, or has been on before). It was on at 8pm on a Wednesday (since checked - is on Channel 4 and was first in a new series)

I was initially wary but quite surprised at the way the programme allowed very diverse manifestations of autism to see the fruition of their own ideas in a joint project, working together.

I have supposed in the past that the only way to make it possible to work within a special interest is to adapt it and broaden it outside the comnfort zone (which is what I think I did myself - have a trade off between what I'd rather do and trying to make slightly to markedly different things interesting).

I was intrigued at how this programme allowed very individual skills and ways of thinking be realised without being compromised.

OK it is television, and there's a lot of editing and airbrushing over the cracks. But it was refreshing - and it shows what might be possible if we provided the opportunities for people with autism to do their own thing - and acquire confidence and grow - rather than trying to bully and mould them into something NTs want.

Any parents out there who haven't seen it try watching it.....

And any professionals...and DWP....could we give this some thought....

  • I liked it too.  Great that it showed the diversity of asd people.  Also especially liked that it showed the positive sides to differences, especially sensory sensitivities.  Maybe they'll do another series?

  • It proved surprisingly short, four episodes. But it was good I reckon. There was just enough reflection on the difficulties without being negative, and plenty of attention to special skills and attributes.

    As I said at the start, it did show really effectively, that allowed to do their own thing, people with autism can make a realistic contribution.

    I hope professionals watched the series. I greatly enjoyed it.

  • I watched the programme and am looking forward to the rest of the series.  

    I like the way it calmly explains some of the issues the people on the programme have, but also turns them into strengths, like being good at design, and their determination, and the pride in a job well done when they had completed their amazing garden.

  • Yeah I watched it as well (My mother is an avid gardener, I'm usually dragged into it) and like you, I love the goal of helping us work with our passions and use the crazy as opossed to as you very eloquently put it "than trying to bully and mould them into something NTs want."

    I think, while the serise is on air and is getting good press NAS needs to ring this bell loudly, especialy under the tories.

  • I looked at a review this morning and it has had favourable reactions. As pointed out it involves better able individuals and may not mean so much to parents whose children will not have such opportunities. But is must be good news.