A Serious Educational Issue
March 22, 2007 by Kristina Chew, PhD
Filed under Health
“One of the most serious educational and health issues”: This is a statement about autism from an article today on Westminster PMQs: Prime Minister Tony Blair speaks out on Autism from the BloggerNewsNetwork. The March 20th Medical News Today noted that a “huge momentum is building up as a result of the landmark debate on autism held in Westminster Hall on 7th March”; the debate was initiated by British parliamentarian Lee Scott, MP for Ilford North.
You can read a transcript of the debate here: I found it very interesting, and affirming, that the majority of the discussion was about education, and specifically about the issue of autistic students attending mainstream vs. private schools. Mr. Scott “commended” the work of the UK charity Treehouse, whose “aim is to transform through education the lives of children with autism and the lives of their families” (my emphasis).
I do not, of course, know as much about autism education and autism organizations in the UK as autistic persons and families there. It is good—a good sign—to hear education, the other e-word besides “epidemic” in autism parlance, mentioned so prominently. It seems to me that autism education ought to be similarly brought to the fore here in the US—-the transformation in my own son Charlie thanks to the past several months of an individualized, positively-toned, and demanding education has enabled him to be the peaceful easy-feeling boy who read me the word beach tonight.
It sounds like they are taking steps in the right direction by helping the children that have autism today to recieve the services that they needs helps them find the treatments that work and only benefits all children to have this same diagnosis down the road. I hope that our own goverment can learn from this.
O.k. so
1. further research required re UK / US comparison so that we can all decide where to live.
2. visit to beach.
Best wishes
Very interesting.
The first thing that always strikes me when reading transcripts (or viewing) parliamentary debates from the UK is how much more educated and informed their MP’s are, as compared to American legislators. They’re quoting relevant literature to each other to support reasoned arguments. What a concept!
As you point out, the focus on education (as opposed to arguing about toxic poisoning) is refreshing. One thing that was brought up bothered me a bit. Sometimes I think modern Brits tend to cede too much power centrally. The following statement:
Certainly one wants professionals involved, but while this sounds good on the surface, we have been on the “receiving end” of school system “experts” dictating what was best for Buddy Boy. When he subsequently failed and was simultaneously blamed for that failure it was exceedingly frustrating, to say the least.
Many (most?) times parents are the ultimate authority on their children. They spend the most time with them, have educated themselves in “all things autism” to an extent comparable to many professionals dealing with their children, and are more personally invested in having a successful outcome for their child (as opposed to the most financially palatable outcome for the school district). While parents, by nature of their status, are not totally objective, they often can see things that those who only get a few hours “snapshot” of their son/daughter cannot. They deserve, and have earned, at least an equal say in what services are delivered to their child. And, as the child grows, they also need to have a seat at the table.
Yes, I really appreciated reading the transcript of the debate—-I am living in a state that, while I certainly speak to the services and educational opportunities, has a representative who pushed for research on autism and ultrasounds…
It’s a bit of a dance to walk as a parent for Charlie—I know Jim and I know him best, but I’m also second-guessing myself: Sometimes it is hard to see things in those that one spends a lot of time with, and knows almost too well. But school districts have so many other (especially budgetary) interests that their motives come from many directions….
I’m ready to do (2) go to beach! And Charlie too (rain here).
Thanks for bringing this to my attention Kristina. I will read the debate later.
Thanks also to Club 166 for pointing out that particular section. I feel very strongly that professionals like paediatricians and educational psychologists do NOT and should not have the right to make decisions about our children. I may consult them, ask their advice, but it is up to me and my husband, what provisions we make for our son’s learning. When I removed Duncan from his school, I received a letter from the local educations board acknowledging my decision, but stating that in their opinion, he’d be better off at school. They can tell me what they think if they want, but I still retain the right in law, to decide how he is educated.