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....
