Why autism education needs to change

Our kids have missed the developmental steps that enable them to think and respond adaptively in social situations (which are everywhere in life).  Schools need to help our kids to develop these competencies otherwise they are at an unfair disadvantage compared with their typically developing peers.

In my blog, I discuss why teaching 'social skills' is not enough (and doesnt work).

http://notnigellanotjamie.blogspot.com/2011/03/why-teaching-social-skills-doesnt-work.html

Blog includes a hilarious clip of 2 toddlers having a non-verbal 'conversation'.

Enjoy!

Zoe  x

Parents
  • Its not robotic compliance.  You are totally misunderstanding what is happening and I am wondering if you have actually viewed the video footage?  Did you see how much joy there was in our interaction - how he made a joke of his towel turning out like a 'nappy' and us both having a laugh about it?

    There is nothing robotic about that - he is adapting in the moment and having fun.

    I am not doing 'repetative, repetative, get it right' with my son (as your parents did with you).  I am not forcing him - he is motivated to be with me and to share experiences and emotion with me.

    If you are horrified by the activities I am describing then you must be horrified by how every parent parents their child in every culture throughout the world, because what I am doing is reinstating the natural parenting process.

    RDI is not an aversive process and it is totally respectful of people with autism.  Perhaps you should talk to some of the children and adults who 'have been on the receiving end' of RDI before you make up your mind to close your mind.

    I am insulted and offended by what you are implying in your post - you are casting aspersions based on no evidence except your own misunderstanding.

Reply
  • Its not robotic compliance.  You are totally misunderstanding what is happening and I am wondering if you have actually viewed the video footage?  Did you see how much joy there was in our interaction - how he made a joke of his towel turning out like a 'nappy' and us both having a laugh about it?

    There is nothing robotic about that - he is adapting in the moment and having fun.

    I am not doing 'repetative, repetative, get it right' with my son (as your parents did with you).  I am not forcing him - he is motivated to be with me and to share experiences and emotion with me.

    If you are horrified by the activities I am describing then you must be horrified by how every parent parents their child in every culture throughout the world, because what I am doing is reinstating the natural parenting process.

    RDI is not an aversive process and it is totally respectful of people with autism.  Perhaps you should talk to some of the children and adults who 'have been on the receiving end' of RDI before you make up your mind to close your mind.

    I am insulted and offended by what you are implying in your post - you are casting aspersions based on no evidence except your own misunderstanding.

Children
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