In Northern Ireland, the hope of attaining a ‘good’ education in a ‘good’ school (whatever that is) can depend on a number of things. For any child, some of the obstacles to attaining a good education include whether or not your child sat the 11 Plus, what postal code you live in, whether a child’s parents value education and are proactive about it and of course the academic ability and/or motivation of the child.
In terms of the 11 Plus exams, many parents are well aware that for their children who did not sit the exam that their child sat ‘in the back’ so to speak while the 11 Plus pupils got all the attention.
Separate curriculums, even separate classes are formed between the ‘smart ones’ and the others. Don’t believe me? Ask your son or daughter who did not sit the exam, what their schoolwork consisted of, just prior to and following exam time. Were they colouring in a lot of maps and being kept busy with ‘artwork’ while their peers were busy cramming in concepts, facts and figures with the full attention of all the teachers?
We all know there is a two track system in Northern Ireland best exemplified by the grammar schools. Regardless of the 11 Plus being phased out, it has already done its damage.
For our children on the spectrum the obstacles set against them include all the above and so much more. Large class size, over stimulating environments, curriculums that have not been modified, teachers and classroom assistants who have not been highly trained, teachers who can’t cope, the list goes on and on. Put our children in a class of 28 and most of the child's day could well be spent having teacher and aide calming down his overworked nervous system.
Northern Ireland has a number of empty schools, schools that could be used to provide kids with autism a more specialised education.
If parents want schools for their children, schools that will specialise and will honour the opportunity to help our children, then parents must start demanding them. Why should we as parents accept what is on offer? The product is well past it’s sell by date and is actually starting to mould.
Have parents in Northern Ireland succumbed to the system just like the government and school boards hoped they would? Since when do we have to accept anything? Instead of governments telling us what to do, it is they who should and must listen to us, not the other way round. I see and hear parents complaining all the time, each carrying out their own personal battle with the authorities and schools, each in isolation, each signifying nothing in the bigger picture except isolated bouts of disruption. Even if a parent launches an appeal and tribunal regarding the education of their child, unless it's going to create a precedent in law the impact of such is not felt in the wider community.
All of these isolated voices of parents which are battling the system get lost and rarely come together. Despite the fact that there are more than 10 charities which offer services and/or advice regarding autism in the North, the voices of parents continue to make very little impact. Parents are separated, corralled and effectively silenced by the fact they are not coming together as one.
Every parent, without a doubt has some amazing stories to tell about their child. Are teachers and the Department of Education afraid of what our children might achieve? It would set a very dangerous precedent if our children started 'achieving' beyond the expectations of others. There would be no going back to suppressing and repressing our children and their parents if that Pandora's Box were to open. The Department of Education, I think, is terrified of providing opportunities for our children to grow because the flood gates would open to possibilities and all of that costs dearly. Best to keep parents and their children in a holding pattern. It starts with the negative attitudes of the diagnosing paediatrician and it ends with your child still at home at the age of 25.
I ask all of you who are parents to take one hour and really think about what kind of educational environment you really want for your child. Try to exclude the niggling comments from your child's teacher that he is 'happy' (he might not be happy at the age of 18 when he hasn't got the skills to get a job or a girlfriend) Talk to your fellow parents and compare notes about what you really want for your child. Then ask yourself 'are these things achievable?'
We can change the future for our children. 'Tick tock, tick tock....what are we waiting for? Are you afraid someone might say no?
Thursday, 8 October 2009
Friday, 2 October 2009
SHAM - Autism Bill - Everybody Now Knows!
2 October 2009
Top doctor's autism bill concerns
NI's chief medical officer has said he has "significant concerns" about proposed autism legislation.
Dr Michael McBride said it could lead to discrimination against those with similar disabilities who have not been diagnosed on the autistic spectrum.
He warned the assembly's health committee that parents could seek an autism diagnosis to access facilities.
Arlene Cassidy of the charity Autism NI said she was "astounded" by Dr McBride's comments.
"I find the chief medical officer ill informed about the purpose of the Autism Bill," she told BBC Radio Ulster.
"This is a good thing, it is about building upon the good work of the departments of health and education - this bill is about joining up government."
Dr McBride said he had a number of major concerns about the Autism Bill (NI).
“ Legislation would encourage more strategic planning regionally across all departments ” Arlene Cassidy Autism NI
He said he was worried about the "substantive administrative costs that would be incurred and the lack of clarity over how the legislation could be put into operation, given our current equality legislation".
"I believe this legislation could discriminate against individuals who could have a similar range of disabilities such as speech, language and communication problems but are not on the autism spectrum," he added.
His comments were backed by director of mental health Dr Maura Briscoe, who warned the committee the bill could create a hierarchy of disability and create labelling "not to the benefit of the people of Northern Ireland".
An action plan to improve services was introduced earlier this year, but Ms Cassidy said legislation was necessary to ensure a multi-agency approach.
"The autism action plan is a positive step forward but it is for the Department of Health - autism is a holistic problem, it is a lifelong problem and involves other government departments," she said.
"People involved in the action plan have found they haven't got co-operation from other departments, so legislation would encourage more strategic planning regionally across all departments."
'Support'
One of the bill's supporters, SDLP assembly member Dominic Bradley, told the BBC he remained confident the bill would eventually be passed despite the objections of Dr McBride and Health Minister Michael McGimpsey.
"I don't think it's the end of the road - we have the support of the majority of political parties and indeed we did have the support of the Ulster Unionist Party until recently," he said.
Mr Bradley said cross-departmental planning would save money by removing "duplication of effort".
Ulster Unionist peer Lord Maginness, who was involved in drawing up the autism action plan, said introducing legislation would be costly and time-wasting.
"Based on the needs of parents, carers and users rather than the demands of a voluntary group or politicians, we've got a lead autism director in each trust, a project team and will soon be able to assess every two-year-old child in Northern Ireland," he said.
listen live on BBC IPlayer here: (fast forward to 1 hr and 42 minutes for this particular 9 minute clip) http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00n01vl/Good_Morning_Ulster_02_10_2009/
Story from BBC NEWS:http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/8286565.stmPublished: 2009/10/02 08:50:48 GMT© BBC MMIX
**Let's remember Arlene Cassidy's references to 'looking on the bright side', following the Middletown Centre for Autism fallout in May this year.
In this clip from 18 May 2009,(http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/8056444.stm) Ms Cassidy was asked her opinion over the Middletown debacle. She responded, "maybe this provides us all with an opportunity...I am a great believer in looking for the silver lining and maybe some of the funding diverted to Middletown can be used otherwise."
Yes Ms Cassidy, I agree with you on that one. With regard to the Autism Bill and the exorbitant amount of money it would waste, your previous comments regarding 'diversion' of monies are applicable here too. Let's 'divert' money for this ridiculous bill, to those who need it most, namely our children. Seriously, what has changed for our children in the past 20 years, actually the same 20 years that AutismNI/AutismUlster has been in existence? How many ASD specific schools with trained teachers would the Autism Bill buy? How many youth/adult employment transition schemes would it fund? The comparison of Northern Ireland to the Republic or to England is dire in terms of what is available for our children. We need real early intervention, not half hazard 'attempts'. We need a complete overhaul of the belief systems of those who work with our kids in this province. Our children need so much - legislation guarantees nothing - in fact it might even make things worse by creating a restrictive perimeter around what can/cannot be done.
Autism in Northern Ireland seems to be more about wasting money than anything else. 7 million pounds has already disappeared down the Middletown rabbit hole, much of it having gone into the pockets of Directors.
The fact our 'legislators' allowed 7 million pounds to be wasted, that it was done 'legally' is not very encouraging. What we could have done with that money!!
Let's not make the same mistake again. The Autism Bill is a fruitless, redundant and ultimately damaging idea and I am so thankful that some people in Northern Ireland are seeing sense and that others are finally having their voice heard over the din of others' egos and career ambitions.
Top doctor's autism bill concerns
NI's chief medical officer has said he has "significant concerns" about proposed autism legislation.
Dr Michael McBride said it could lead to discrimination against those with similar disabilities who have not been diagnosed on the autistic spectrum.
He warned the assembly's health committee that parents could seek an autism diagnosis to access facilities.
Arlene Cassidy of the charity Autism NI said she was "astounded" by Dr McBride's comments.
"I find the chief medical officer ill informed about the purpose of the Autism Bill," she told BBC Radio Ulster.
"This is a good thing, it is about building upon the good work of the departments of health and education - this bill is about joining up government."
Dr McBride said he had a number of major concerns about the Autism Bill (NI).
“ Legislation would encourage more strategic planning regionally across all departments ” Arlene Cassidy Autism NI
He said he was worried about the "substantive administrative costs that would be incurred and the lack of clarity over how the legislation could be put into operation, given our current equality legislation".
"I believe this legislation could discriminate against individuals who could have a similar range of disabilities such as speech, language and communication problems but are not on the autism spectrum," he added.
His comments were backed by director of mental health Dr Maura Briscoe, who warned the committee the bill could create a hierarchy of disability and create labelling "not to the benefit of the people of Northern Ireland".
An action plan to improve services was introduced earlier this year, but Ms Cassidy said legislation was necessary to ensure a multi-agency approach.
"The autism action plan is a positive step forward but it is for the Department of Health - autism is a holistic problem, it is a lifelong problem and involves other government departments," she said.
"People involved in the action plan have found they haven't got co-operation from other departments, so legislation would encourage more strategic planning regionally across all departments."
'Support'
One of the bill's supporters, SDLP assembly member Dominic Bradley, told the BBC he remained confident the bill would eventually be passed despite the objections of Dr McBride and Health Minister Michael McGimpsey.
"I don't think it's the end of the road - we have the support of the majority of political parties and indeed we did have the support of the Ulster Unionist Party until recently," he said.
Mr Bradley said cross-departmental planning would save money by removing "duplication of effort".
Ulster Unionist peer Lord Maginness, who was involved in drawing up the autism action plan, said introducing legislation would be costly and time-wasting.
"Based on the needs of parents, carers and users rather than the demands of a voluntary group or politicians, we've got a lead autism director in each trust, a project team and will soon be able to assess every two-year-old child in Northern Ireland," he said.
listen live on BBC IPlayer here: (fast forward to 1 hr and 42 minutes for this particular 9 minute clip) http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00n01vl/Good_Morning_Ulster_02_10_2009/
Story from BBC NEWS:http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/8286565.stmPublished: 2009/10/02 08:50:48 GMT© BBC MMIX
**Let's remember Arlene Cassidy's references to 'looking on the bright side', following the Middletown Centre for Autism fallout in May this year.
In this clip from 18 May 2009,(http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/8056444.stm) Ms Cassidy was asked her opinion over the Middletown debacle. She responded, "maybe this provides us all with an opportunity...I am a great believer in looking for the silver lining and maybe some of the funding diverted to Middletown can be used otherwise."
Yes Ms Cassidy, I agree with you on that one. With regard to the Autism Bill and the exorbitant amount of money it would waste, your previous comments regarding 'diversion' of monies are applicable here too. Let's 'divert' money for this ridiculous bill, to those who need it most, namely our children. Seriously, what has changed for our children in the past 20 years, actually the same 20 years that AutismNI/AutismUlster has been in existence? How many ASD specific schools with trained teachers would the Autism Bill buy? How many youth/adult employment transition schemes would it fund? The comparison of Northern Ireland to the Republic or to England is dire in terms of what is available for our children. We need real early intervention, not half hazard 'attempts'. We need a complete overhaul of the belief systems of those who work with our kids in this province. Our children need so much - legislation guarantees nothing - in fact it might even make things worse by creating a restrictive perimeter around what can/cannot be done.
Autism in Northern Ireland seems to be more about wasting money than anything else. 7 million pounds has already disappeared down the Middletown rabbit hole, much of it having gone into the pockets of Directors.
The fact our 'legislators' allowed 7 million pounds to be wasted, that it was done 'legally' is not very encouraging. What we could have done with that money!!
Let's not make the same mistake again. The Autism Bill is a fruitless, redundant and ultimately damaging idea and I am so thankful that some people in Northern Ireland are seeing sense and that others are finally having their voice heard over the din of others' egos and career ambitions.
IRIS ROBINSON tells us like it is?
Hello dear readers. We are at a major crossroads regarding the future of our children and all individuals who have an autistic spectrum condition who live in Northern Ireland.
Yesterday (1 October 2009) in Stormont, a meeting took place of the Health, Social Services & Public Safety Committee. At 2.00pm a Departmental Briefing on Proposals for the Autism Legislation began. If any of you were party to the proceedings you would be reeling with shock. Why? Kieran McShane, parent and ASD Strategy member suffered a verbal outburst from Iris Robinson, MP, DUP in a discussion about the taking forward of the proposed Autism Bill.
Kieran McShane: "I am a parent and carer and a member of the Autism Strategy. Nothing in this bill is for me. "
Iris Robinson: "You may be a parent but I am an elected representative!"
For those of you out of the loop, there is much afoot regarding autism and politics at the moment and if you have not already done so, you will be very interested in seeing this: www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/asd_strategic_action_plan.pdf . Go to page 38 to see a diagram of how parents are going to be key to the future decision making regarding our children.
I personally, am appalled and highly insulted that Iris Robinson DUP appears to hold the view of her friend Ms Arlene Cassidy CEO AutismNI/AutismUlster higher than the views of parents, carers and service users.
I personally cannot equate Ms Robinson's comments yesterday to be based on anything else than what she is being fed by AutismNI/AutismUlster. Who wants this autism bill except AutismNI/Autism Ulster? We have laws here regarding all disabilities and it is my opinion that fear is rising in the hearts of certain organisations both statutory and voluntary that parents are going to be furnished with the power, authority and mandate to shape the future for their own children. Iris Robinson in my view, now has the responsibility to prove to her electorate who she is representing.
If you are a parent, a carer, or an individual with an ASD and you live in Iris' riding,she desperately needs to be re-educated by you.
Does Iris Robinson represent ALL of her constituents who have varying 'disabilities' or does she represent only those with ASD I wonder. Will she fight for legislation for those with cerebral palsy, down syndrome, the blind, and the physically disabled, under section 75? Is she as 'well-acquainted' with the leadership of these groups as she is with Arlene Cassidy? Iris seems to have a lot of time for 'autism' and AutismNI/AutismUlster. I suggest to other 'disability' groups to get cracking and bend her ear equally.
Nothing escapes the attention of parents where politics is concerned. It's not about politics - it's about our children and we are watching, watching very closely.
So many questions. Will the rest of Northern Ireland's carers (185,000) be meted the same treatment as Iris Robinson projected onto Mr McShane yesterday just because she is a political representative? I would not like to think so.
If you would like a dvd copy of the DHSSPS proceedings from yesterday for your own records, you can order your own copy for free by emailing: Sound&Vision@niassembly.gov.uk. In the body of your email advise the proceedings, and the date they occurred. Don't take it from me, watch what is going on for your own eyes.
Yesterday (1 October 2009) in Stormont, a meeting took place of the Health, Social Services & Public Safety Committee. At 2.00pm a Departmental Briefing on Proposals for the Autism Legislation began. If any of you were party to the proceedings you would be reeling with shock. Why? Kieran McShane, parent and ASD Strategy member suffered a verbal outburst from Iris Robinson, MP, DUP in a discussion about the taking forward of the proposed Autism Bill.
Kieran McShane: "I am a parent and carer and a member of the Autism Strategy. Nothing in this bill is for me. "
Iris Robinson: "You may be a parent but I am an elected representative!"
For those of you out of the loop, there is much afoot regarding autism and politics at the moment and if you have not already done so, you will be very interested in seeing this: www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/asd_strategic_action_plan.pdf . Go to page 38 to see a diagram of how parents are going to be key to the future decision making regarding our children.
I personally, am appalled and highly insulted that Iris Robinson DUP appears to hold the view of her friend Ms Arlene Cassidy CEO AutismNI/AutismUlster higher than the views of parents, carers and service users.
I personally cannot equate Ms Robinson's comments yesterday to be based on anything else than what she is being fed by AutismNI/AutismUlster. Who wants this autism bill except AutismNI/Autism Ulster? We have laws here regarding all disabilities and it is my opinion that fear is rising in the hearts of certain organisations both statutory and voluntary that parents are going to be furnished with the power, authority and mandate to shape the future for their own children. Iris Robinson in my view, now has the responsibility to prove to her electorate who she is representing.
If you are a parent, a carer, or an individual with an ASD and you live in Iris' riding,she desperately needs to be re-educated by you.
Does Iris Robinson represent ALL of her constituents who have varying 'disabilities' or does she represent only those with ASD I wonder. Will she fight for legislation for those with cerebral palsy, down syndrome, the blind, and the physically disabled, under section 75? Is she as 'well-acquainted' with the leadership of these groups as she is with Arlene Cassidy? Iris seems to have a lot of time for 'autism' and AutismNI/AutismUlster. I suggest to other 'disability' groups to get cracking and bend her ear equally.
Nothing escapes the attention of parents where politics is concerned. It's not about politics - it's about our children and we are watching, watching very closely.
So many questions. Will the rest of Northern Ireland's carers (185,000) be meted the same treatment as Iris Robinson projected onto Mr McShane yesterday just because she is a political representative? I would not like to think so.
If you would like a dvd copy of the DHSSPS proceedings from yesterday for your own records, you can order your own copy for free by emailing: Sound&Vision@niassembly.gov.uk. In the body of your email advise the proceedings, and the date they occurred. Don't take it from me, watch what is going on for your own eyes.
Saturday, 26 September 2009
Catriona's Carnival
As many of you are aware of by now, Katrina Rooney, Minister for Education has been sending her talking heads out into the province to summon up support for her 'Every School a Good School Inclusion consultation paper.
Interestingly enough, though not surprisingly, the majority of questions asked at the meeting I attended,were from teachers in special education and from parents. I don't believe mainstream teachers are aware of what is going to 'hit' them should this consultation become policy.
The meeting I attended was chaired by an ex special education teacher who had the charm of a pitbull. She spent the first hour 'explaining' the dire contents of the consultation paper, how it came to be, and then 'permitted' the audience to ask questions in the second hour.
Members of the audience who had questions were curtly advised that only one crack at the microphone would be permitted. The woman ensured that the queue of questions was maintained in scrupulous order. If she wasn't a teacher, she would definitely have a career as a sheep herder - all she needed was a whistle.
Alarm bells began to ring in my head. Controlling the room and maintaining order seemed to be paramount over and above answering or even responding to questions asked.
I only attended one of these 'roadshow' meetings. I estimate over 100 people were at this one. I do know, however, that other meetings were not as well attended so perhaps the poor woman was a bit intimidated.
Despite attempts via bad timing of the meeting, to make it as difficult as possible to attend, people continued to roll in after 4.00pm.
The chair of the meeting explained the timing of the meetings (4.00-6:00pm). She advised that it was in fact parents who displayed their preference for that time slot because a 7.00-9.00pm time slot would 'interefere with dinner and homework'.
I doubt very much the Department of Education listened to any parents regarding the timing of these meetings and for those I spoke to, the timing was universally inconvenient.
I could go on and on about the content of the meeting but you can read the document yourself. (see link to the right) One of the most salient points raised was by a teacher who asked, 'if I mis-diagnose a child, will I get sued?'. This teacher was referring to page 15 of the document which clearly states, "a move to formal assessment of a child's difficulties or disabilities will only be necessary when it has been clearly demonstrated that the IN-SCHOOL support programme has not been successful in meeting those needs."
Incredibly, the Chair's response, after consulting with her stage partner was 'no, teachers are not being asked to diagnose', but that there are 'protection' and safety nets for teachers who might be accused of misdiagnosing a child. (when you read the excerpt above you will see that teachers are going to be expected to be front line assessors of children in need and will be expected to 'flag' them up.) I foresee many children being incorrectly 'flagged' up and also ignored. What about the children who have an autistic spectrum condition, are from the Travelling Community, have recently suffered a bereavement and who are 'looked after' children? What additional need must be tackled first?
What I really wanted to say at that juncture is that as a parent of a child with autism, I can spot another child with autism at 90 paces. I see them on the street, in the park in the shopping centres - why is there such a problem with 'flagging' children. I think most parents who have kids on the spectrum are capable of this. Our experience provides us with a built in 'radar'.
In front of many parents in the audience, (potentially the parents who would indeed sue such a teacher for neglect or misrepresentation of their children) an explanation was given to this individual teacher by the Chair as to how he will be 'protected', how there are checks and balances in place to always protect the teacher.
Incredibly, parents said nothing whilst listening to this, but of course, most of them had by now used up their one chance at the microphone. (Teacher had laid down her rules and we all abided by them.) In retrospect, I wish I had told the Chair at the start that I would not abide by her 'rules' and that I would ask as many questions as I bloody well pleased.
The format of the meeting was almost exactly the same as the Middletown 'roadshow' (farce). Questions were asked at those meetings too and the Chair of those meetings Mr Gary Cooper continued to respond with, 'that's a great question, write it down so we can look at'. That was over 7 million pounds ago. I would love to know what this consultation paper has cost so far. Despite its cost, I can only hope, for the sake of all our children, that it also goes the way of 'middletown' and is forgotten about.
No notes were taken by the Chair or her co-hort, and I doubt very much that the proceedings were recorded. Important questions were posed by parents and teachers and others. Those questions and comments, largely ignored, and with no recording of them, will disappear unless the individuals who posed them make sure to write them down and submit them to the Department. I do wonder what the Chair of these meetings is telling her department about the content of the said meetings. Really, what is the point of having meetings unless the proceedings are recorded in some way. Will the Chair go back to her department and say all was well, or nothing to report? Such a joke.
The question arose during the meeting, 'who do parents sue, should their children suffer from neglect? - the Board or the School.
Shockingly, the Chair of the meeting advised us all that the consultation document is not finished, that there are many more parts to complete before it could be submitted to departmental level.(which begs the question why it is being presented for our response, if it's not even finished.) We were told very clearly that we are being expected to comment on something when that 'something' is not complete and when the most important part of it, has not even been presented yet.
The Department of Education considers you, parents and teachers, as fools.
Those who asked the questions about guarding children's rights were informed they would have to 'trust' the school board, that there was no 'foreseeable' relinquishing of rights of children should the document become policy.
So, to all parents, all you have to do is trust your education board.
I don't see much point in delving into this consultation document any further as it is a total joke.
The fact that no one, not one person clapped or publicly thanked the Chair for her 'speech' said a lot. A deadly silence ensued once she signed off of her microphone. She knew it too as she very uncomfortably walked back to her notes. What did she expect?
Standing outside and eariwigging on the conversations of both teachers and parents, I can tell you that no one I spoke to was impressed, and many were exceptionally angry and rather stunned at it all. Following meetings such as this, at least in my experience, it's always like this -parents gather and 'complain' and teachers do as well.
This time, I was very glad to participate in the ensuing 'bitch fest'. I could hear parents and teachers talking to each other with much concern about this fiasco and comparing notes. These people may never meet up again but it is my deepest hope that all who had concerns about what they heard that day, will take the time to fill in their response booklets which can be downloaded online from the Department. One does not even have to use the downloadable form. You can email, write a letter or memo to let them know what you think and why.
(interestingly, the organisers of this consultation did not think to bring copies of the 90 odd page document for the audience, nor did they furnish us with hard copies of the response booklet). To read the document online is very difficult and in fact many of those at the meeting had not even read the document at all.
Our children are in great peril should this document become a reality. In my view, legal action is required against the Department to ensure this document never sees the light of day again.
The Department of Education is 'at it' again and still believes that they can ride roughshod over the needs of our children and the desires of their parents. The Department I believe, has every intention of just doing what IT wants to do, with no desire to consult with parents, voluntary or other sectors.
If you allow them to do this, you only have yourselves to blame. Parents standing up to School Boards in Northern Ireland, is incredibly overdue. There is no excuse for ignorance on this issue and I apologise for sounding preachy but sometimes parents are their own worst enemies.
Parents have got to stand up to the Department on this one. The only thing I wanted to say at this particular meeting was 'shove it' right back where it came from, it was an affront to me, to even have to discuss such drivel.
Interestingly enough, though not surprisingly, the majority of questions asked at the meeting I attended,were from teachers in special education and from parents. I don't believe mainstream teachers are aware of what is going to 'hit' them should this consultation become policy.
The meeting I attended was chaired by an ex special education teacher who had the charm of a pitbull. She spent the first hour 'explaining' the dire contents of the consultation paper, how it came to be, and then 'permitted' the audience to ask questions in the second hour.
Members of the audience who had questions were curtly advised that only one crack at the microphone would be permitted. The woman ensured that the queue of questions was maintained in scrupulous order. If she wasn't a teacher, she would definitely have a career as a sheep herder - all she needed was a whistle.
Alarm bells began to ring in my head. Controlling the room and maintaining order seemed to be paramount over and above answering or even responding to questions asked.
I only attended one of these 'roadshow' meetings. I estimate over 100 people were at this one. I do know, however, that other meetings were not as well attended so perhaps the poor woman was a bit intimidated.
Despite attempts via bad timing of the meeting, to make it as difficult as possible to attend, people continued to roll in after 4.00pm.
The chair of the meeting explained the timing of the meetings (4.00-6:00pm). She advised that it was in fact parents who displayed their preference for that time slot because a 7.00-9.00pm time slot would 'interefere with dinner and homework'.
I doubt very much the Department of Education listened to any parents regarding the timing of these meetings and for those I spoke to, the timing was universally inconvenient.
I could go on and on about the content of the meeting but you can read the document yourself. (see link to the right) One of the most salient points raised was by a teacher who asked, 'if I mis-diagnose a child, will I get sued?'. This teacher was referring to page 15 of the document which clearly states, "a move to formal assessment of a child's difficulties or disabilities will only be necessary when it has been clearly demonstrated that the IN-SCHOOL support programme has not been successful in meeting those needs."
Incredibly, the Chair's response, after consulting with her stage partner was 'no, teachers are not being asked to diagnose', but that there are 'protection' and safety nets for teachers who might be accused of misdiagnosing a child. (when you read the excerpt above you will see that teachers are going to be expected to be front line assessors of children in need and will be expected to 'flag' them up.) I foresee many children being incorrectly 'flagged' up and also ignored. What about the children who have an autistic spectrum condition, are from the Travelling Community, have recently suffered a bereavement and who are 'looked after' children? What additional need must be tackled first?
What I really wanted to say at that juncture is that as a parent of a child with autism, I can spot another child with autism at 90 paces. I see them on the street, in the park in the shopping centres - why is there such a problem with 'flagging' children. I think most parents who have kids on the spectrum are capable of this. Our experience provides us with a built in 'radar'.
In front of many parents in the audience, (potentially the parents who would indeed sue such a teacher for neglect or misrepresentation of their children) an explanation was given to this individual teacher by the Chair as to how he will be 'protected', how there are checks and balances in place to always protect the teacher.
Incredibly, parents said nothing whilst listening to this, but of course, most of them had by now used up their one chance at the microphone. (Teacher had laid down her rules and we all abided by them.) In retrospect, I wish I had told the Chair at the start that I would not abide by her 'rules' and that I would ask as many questions as I bloody well pleased.
The format of the meeting was almost exactly the same as the Middletown 'roadshow' (farce). Questions were asked at those meetings too and the Chair of those meetings Mr Gary Cooper continued to respond with, 'that's a great question, write it down so we can look at'. That was over 7 million pounds ago. I would love to know what this consultation paper has cost so far. Despite its cost, I can only hope, for the sake of all our children, that it also goes the way of 'middletown' and is forgotten about.
No notes were taken by the Chair or her co-hort, and I doubt very much that the proceedings were recorded. Important questions were posed by parents and teachers and others. Those questions and comments, largely ignored, and with no recording of them, will disappear unless the individuals who posed them make sure to write them down and submit them to the Department. I do wonder what the Chair of these meetings is telling her department about the content of the said meetings. Really, what is the point of having meetings unless the proceedings are recorded in some way. Will the Chair go back to her department and say all was well, or nothing to report? Such a joke.
The question arose during the meeting, 'who do parents sue, should their children suffer from neglect? - the Board or the School.
Shockingly, the Chair of the meeting advised us all that the consultation document is not finished, that there are many more parts to complete before it could be submitted to departmental level.(which begs the question why it is being presented for our response, if it's not even finished.) We were told very clearly that we are being expected to comment on something when that 'something' is not complete and when the most important part of it, has not even been presented yet.
The Department of Education considers you, parents and teachers, as fools.
Those who asked the questions about guarding children's rights were informed they would have to 'trust' the school board, that there was no 'foreseeable' relinquishing of rights of children should the document become policy.
So, to all parents, all you have to do is trust your education board.
I don't see much point in delving into this consultation document any further as it is a total joke.
The fact that no one, not one person clapped or publicly thanked the Chair for her 'speech' said a lot. A deadly silence ensued once she signed off of her microphone. She knew it too as she very uncomfortably walked back to her notes. What did she expect?
Standing outside and eariwigging on the conversations of both teachers and parents, I can tell you that no one I spoke to was impressed, and many were exceptionally angry and rather stunned at it all. Following meetings such as this, at least in my experience, it's always like this -parents gather and 'complain' and teachers do as well.
This time, I was very glad to participate in the ensuing 'bitch fest'. I could hear parents and teachers talking to each other with much concern about this fiasco and comparing notes. These people may never meet up again but it is my deepest hope that all who had concerns about what they heard that day, will take the time to fill in their response booklets which can be downloaded online from the Department. One does not even have to use the downloadable form. You can email, write a letter or memo to let them know what you think and why.
(interestingly, the organisers of this consultation did not think to bring copies of the 90 odd page document for the audience, nor did they furnish us with hard copies of the response booklet). To read the document online is very difficult and in fact many of those at the meeting had not even read the document at all.
Our children are in great peril should this document become a reality. In my view, legal action is required against the Department to ensure this document never sees the light of day again.
The Department of Education is 'at it' again and still believes that they can ride roughshod over the needs of our children and the desires of their parents. The Department I believe, has every intention of just doing what IT wants to do, with no desire to consult with parents, voluntary or other sectors.
If you allow them to do this, you only have yourselves to blame. Parents standing up to School Boards in Northern Ireland, is incredibly overdue. There is no excuse for ignorance on this issue and I apologise for sounding preachy but sometimes parents are their own worst enemies.
Parents have got to stand up to the Department on this one. The only thing I wanted to say at this particular meeting was 'shove it' right back where it came from, it was an affront to me, to even have to discuss such drivel.
Friday, 3 July 2009
Mother, can you spare a dime, or rather £450.00?
Autism Ulster/Autism NI together with an events company are organising an autism conference for July 2010 in Belfast (after a full month online, the link to the conference is inaccessible (under construction) - maybe AutismNI read this blog and are rearranging their fee schedule to make the conference accessible to parent/carers?)
UPDATE: 26 AUGUST 2009 - the site is back up and running and as expected, the fees have been reduced by at least half with a special rate for parents.
UPDATE: 2010 - The Conference is cancelled altogether - no surprises there then.
If you have £450.00 to spare, you can attend this two day event. If you book early or if you are selected to present a plenary session you will save £100.00. I do not understand why AutismNI/AutismUlster with their 24 staff had to hire an events company to organise this conference as surely that many staff should be able to prepare a conference with ease.
Extraordinary fund-raising efforts from parents like these (see: http://www.tyronetimes.co.uk/2617/Mum-tells-of-daily-battle.5280054.jp) will help AutismNI/AutismUlster pay the bills from the events company and more.
Yes, I know, what you are all saying - it's appalling that AutismNI/Autism Ulster takes money from parents like this. Maybe the mum insisted or forced herself on AutismNI/Autism Ulster? Maybe they just 'couldn't' say no? If we had statutory bodies who did their job, parents wouldn't be used like this.
Last weekend, PEAT (Parent Education as Autism Therapists) presented a comprehensive two day ABA conference (applied behavioural analysis) and brought some of the biggest names in the world to Belfast at a vastly reduced fee compared to the proposed AutismNI/Autism Ulster 2010 conference. (£60.00 for parents) The PEAT conference was well attended by parents and provided real help to those who want to 'intervene' their children's autism with ABA. PEAT is not well funded, is relatively new to the scene compared to AutismNI/Autism Ulster but has managed to give parents tangible and sustained advice and assistance that no one else in Northern Ireland ever has. Whether or not you agree philosophically with ABA or not, at least PEAT is doing something different and provides an avenue to parents to meet their children's individual educational needs through precision teaching.
PEAT's name and website links have been added recently to the AutismNI/AutismUlster site (though you do have to scroll through their links page to find it). Unlike the other 3 autism charities in Northern Ireland (NAS, Aspergers Network and Eagle Project) PEAT must have found favour with Autism NI/Autism Ulster.
I would ask the mother referred to in the weblink above how she thinks raising £2500.00 and giving it to AutismNI/AutismUlster is going to benefit her son. I wonder if some of her fundraising might be used to permit admission for a few parents to the upcoming conference. £2500.00 will pay for five parents to attend.
'Company Store' springs to mind here. I also wonder what the membership of that charity think about the fact that most of them will not be able to attend the conference their membership fees and annual fund-raising efforts have paid for. Nice.
Maybe members of the charity know what happens should they speak out and question the status quo.
If you thought you and your family were isolated with autism before, try getting on your soapbox at your local AutismNI meeting and watch for the crumpled faces of your fellow parents. Northern Ireland is like a wee village, it won't be long before the gossip evolves and you attract 'troublemaker' as your first name.
Back to this young mum and her Great Wall of China idea - will the money she raises be used to provide her son with direct services or will it be scoffed to fly more MLA's off to Washington? I note in the linked article about her, that Michelle O'Neill (SF) has a few comments to make about how difficult it is here in Northern Ireland - as she was one of the selected MLA's to attend the December 2007 AutismNI/Autism Ulster junket to Washington, maybe she could tell us how the Washington junket benefited children and adults with autism.
Maybe she would like to give this young mum back, the money it cost to fly her, wine and dine her, in Washington? What about it Michelle? Put your money where your mouth is. I distinctly remember talking to Michelle O'Neill about autism years ago and in the middle of our conversation she related to me how 'she had children'. I never did figure out what relevance that had to the issues I was bringing to her. That was pre-Washington. I presume she is clued up now?
Back to the conference...on it's web site linked above, AutismNI/Autism Ulster make a number of references to how beneficial the 2010 conference would be to parents and carers. I suggest any parent interested in attending, to ask your mortgage company or the housing executive to stall your payments for one month so you can attend this conference. Failing that, you could of course save 9 weeks of your Carer's Allowance or a month of your child's DLA in order to attend or apply for a carer's grant - that is if you really want to - the line-up of speakers are rather ho-hum and it begins with Gary Mesibov.
AutismNI/AutismUlster, have been instrumental in continuing to promote the TEACCH Program (Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication-Handicapped Children) in Northern Ireland. To that end, this conference will feature Gary Mesibov of TEACCH et al. What we as parents have to learn from Gary Mesibov is beyond me.
The acroynym 'TEACCH' sounds like the word teach, but this program has very little to do with teaching/education/learning and nothing to do with autism. The idea of paying £450.00 to listen to Mesibov drone on once again about the marvels of robotising our children is anaethema to me. Surely some parents in Northern Ireland have read the comments from Patricia Howlin and others about the lack of efficacy of TEACCH.
TEACCH is of course, lucrative and for Autism NI/Autism Ulster, it has been a good earner via the charity's dedicated company 'ACT'. Teachers like it because it fulfills their generally self fulfilling prophesies about our children ('these' kids can't learn, but they love routine, why bother educating them; they haven't learned the way 'we' teach them, it's their fault, we tried, they are stupid, lets control the damage via TEACCH; let's book a refresher course costing thousands of pounds via AutismNI/Autism Ulster so no one can claim we aren't qualified in how to damage children - most of all never EVER let the parents think their child is capable of learning otherwise the flood gates will open!)
Compare this to some of the more informed and pro-active parents in Northern Ireland who hire autism consultants from abroad, recruit their own dedicated staff, train them, and run full time education programs for their children in their home every day generating copious data collection, weekly reviews, video footage analysis and some of whom attend 3rd level and post graduate studies in ABA/VB/Autism studies) . The 'why bother' mindset of the TEACCH promoters guarantees children will grow up to live dependent or in a care homes.
No one knows where a child will go unless all possibilities are pursued. In Northern Ireland, minds have been made up about our children and one thing is guaranteed, if you don't 'do the work' with your child, s/he will suffer for it just like any other child. Be a parent first, rely on no one.
You could of course attend the conference and ask Mr Mesibov and the organisers what exactly TEACCH has done for children here. No positive outcomes, however, have ever been peer reviewed by the TEACCH organisation and their philosophy has not changed one iota in decades. (that autism is a 'culture', that individuals with autism 'like', 'thrive', 'need' routine, etc bloody etc.
The TEACCH program was developed to keep little 'handicapped' children quiet. Please note that the word handicapped still remains in the acronym of TEACCH. In fact the english equivalent of the TEACCH program was until very recently called the 'Society for the Autistically Handicapped'. What are the belief systems of those who subscribe to such language?
A simple google query of 'new autism research' will provide over 1.9 million links, none of which include using the TEACCH method.
TEACCH is about damage control, keeping our children functionally autistic, ensuring a new generation of care and group home employees.
I recently asked the principal of a large 'severe learning disability' (ugh) school to tell me what the outcomes are for kids who make it to mainstream from the school. This individual replied '1 in 20'. I was not surprised. This school uses TEACCH, as do all of the special schools here. The attitude of this individual towards me was patronising and clearly my question was an uncomfortable one. My question was eventually answered but only after much speculation to my motives for asking it. ('oh no, another parent in denial who thinks her kid can learn' and even worse, that thinks I should be able to teach him).
I hope that any parents who intend on attending this conference ensure they get a substantially reduced or free admission. There is no mention in the link to this conference about a reduction for parents, except that if you book early you will save a bit of money.
The conference is not for parents. AutismNI/Autism Ulster changed it's name from PAPA (parents and professionals autism) for a reason. If you want to keep parents out, you charge whacks of money to get in.
Those who will be attending this conference will be "professionals" looking for a couple of days away from their desks, and whose budgets can pay for it.
Researchers and bright minds in autism are not going to attend this conference, nor have they been invited. AutismNI/Autism Ulster clai this conference as 'one of the most important international conferences dealing with autism in 2010'. Perhaps this is so, but only in Ballybackward, not the world.
There will be hundreds of conferences regarding autism in 2010 all over the world, with attendees who are at the top of their research field. AutismNI/Autism Ulster is not in any way known for its research capability, their website is one example of that, and anyone who has something new to share in the field of autism will be hard pressed to take the time or make the effort to come to this conference. Why would they? Researchers needs peer review, their peers won't be here. AutismNI/Autism Ulster does not have the capability to scrutinise research, much less provide its dissemination.
'Smoke and mirrors' conference would be a better title. Here is a list of some other autism conferences taking place in the coming year, all at a substantially lower price and with better line-ups than the one described above. see: http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=140&a=5891 .
I would suggest to parents that we present our own conference, the line-up made up only of parent experts. If we charged £450.00 a head, we could raise enough money to initiate the construction of a new autism specific school or send us all to Washington on an autism fact finding junket, one that would actually amount to something more than than a photo shoot.
UPDATE: 26 AUGUST 2009 - the site is back up and running and as expected, the fees have been reduced by at least half with a special rate for parents.
UPDATE: 2010 - The Conference is cancelled altogether - no surprises there then.
If you have £450.00 to spare, you can attend this two day event. If you book early or if you are selected to present a plenary session you will save £100.00. I do not understand why AutismNI/AutismUlster with their 24 staff had to hire an events company to organise this conference as surely that many staff should be able to prepare a conference with ease.
Extraordinary fund-raising efforts from parents like these (see: http://www.tyronetimes.co.uk/2617/Mum-tells-of-daily-battle.5280054.jp) will help AutismNI/AutismUlster pay the bills from the events company and more.
Yes, I know, what you are all saying - it's appalling that AutismNI/Autism Ulster takes money from parents like this. Maybe the mum insisted or forced herself on AutismNI/Autism Ulster? Maybe they just 'couldn't' say no? If we had statutory bodies who did their job, parents wouldn't be used like this.
Last weekend, PEAT (Parent Education as Autism Therapists) presented a comprehensive two day ABA conference (applied behavioural analysis) and brought some of the biggest names in the world to Belfast at a vastly reduced fee compared to the proposed AutismNI/Autism Ulster 2010 conference. (£60.00 for parents) The PEAT conference was well attended by parents and provided real help to those who want to 'intervene' their children's autism with ABA. PEAT is not well funded, is relatively new to the scene compared to AutismNI/Autism Ulster but has managed to give parents tangible and sustained advice and assistance that no one else in Northern Ireland ever has. Whether or not you agree philosophically with ABA or not, at least PEAT is doing something different and provides an avenue to parents to meet their children's individual educational needs through precision teaching.
PEAT's name and website links have been added recently to the AutismNI/AutismUlster site (though you do have to scroll through their links page to find it). Unlike the other 3 autism charities in Northern Ireland (NAS, Aspergers Network and Eagle Project) PEAT must have found favour with Autism NI/Autism Ulster.
I would ask the mother referred to in the weblink above how she thinks raising £2500.00 and giving it to AutismNI/AutismUlster is going to benefit her son. I wonder if some of her fundraising might be used to permit admission for a few parents to the upcoming conference. £2500.00 will pay for five parents to attend.
'Company Store' springs to mind here. I also wonder what the membership of that charity think about the fact that most of them will not be able to attend the conference their membership fees and annual fund-raising efforts have paid for. Nice.
Maybe members of the charity know what happens should they speak out and question the status quo.
If you thought you and your family were isolated with autism before, try getting on your soapbox at your local AutismNI meeting and watch for the crumpled faces of your fellow parents. Northern Ireland is like a wee village, it won't be long before the gossip evolves and you attract 'troublemaker' as your first name.
Back to this young mum and her Great Wall of China idea - will the money she raises be used to provide her son with direct services or will it be scoffed to fly more MLA's off to Washington? I note in the linked article about her, that Michelle O'Neill (SF) has a few comments to make about how difficult it is here in Northern Ireland - as she was one of the selected MLA's to attend the December 2007 AutismNI/Autism Ulster junket to Washington, maybe she could tell us how the Washington junket benefited children and adults with autism.
Maybe she would like to give this young mum back, the money it cost to fly her, wine and dine her, in Washington? What about it Michelle? Put your money where your mouth is. I distinctly remember talking to Michelle O'Neill about autism years ago and in the middle of our conversation she related to me how 'she had children'. I never did figure out what relevance that had to the issues I was bringing to her. That was pre-Washington. I presume she is clued up now?
Back to the conference...on it's web site linked above, AutismNI/Autism Ulster make a number of references to how beneficial the 2010 conference would be to parents and carers. I suggest any parent interested in attending, to ask your mortgage company or the housing executive to stall your payments for one month so you can attend this conference. Failing that, you could of course save 9 weeks of your Carer's Allowance or a month of your child's DLA in order to attend or apply for a carer's grant - that is if you really want to - the line-up of speakers are rather ho-hum and it begins with Gary Mesibov.
AutismNI/AutismUlster, have been instrumental in continuing to promote the TEACCH Program (Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication-Handicapped Children) in Northern Ireland. To that end, this conference will feature Gary Mesibov of TEACCH et al. What we as parents have to learn from Gary Mesibov is beyond me.
The acroynym 'TEACCH' sounds like the word teach, but this program has very little to do with teaching/education/learning and nothing to do with autism. The idea of paying £450.00 to listen to Mesibov drone on once again about the marvels of robotising our children is anaethema to me. Surely some parents in Northern Ireland have read the comments from Patricia Howlin and others about the lack of efficacy of TEACCH.
TEACCH is of course, lucrative and for Autism NI/Autism Ulster, it has been a good earner via the charity's dedicated company 'ACT'. Teachers like it because it fulfills their generally self fulfilling prophesies about our children ('these' kids can't learn, but they love routine, why bother educating them; they haven't learned the way 'we' teach them, it's their fault, we tried, they are stupid, lets control the damage via TEACCH; let's book a refresher course costing thousands of pounds via AutismNI/Autism Ulster so no one can claim we aren't qualified in how to damage children - most of all never EVER let the parents think their child is capable of learning otherwise the flood gates will open!)
Compare this to some of the more informed and pro-active parents in Northern Ireland who hire autism consultants from abroad, recruit their own dedicated staff, train them, and run full time education programs for their children in their home every day generating copious data collection, weekly reviews, video footage analysis and some of whom attend 3rd level and post graduate studies in ABA/VB/Autism studies) . The 'why bother' mindset of the TEACCH promoters guarantees children will grow up to live dependent or in a care homes.
No one knows where a child will go unless all possibilities are pursued. In Northern Ireland, minds have been made up about our children and one thing is guaranteed, if you don't 'do the work' with your child, s/he will suffer for it just like any other child. Be a parent first, rely on no one.
You could of course attend the conference and ask Mr Mesibov and the organisers what exactly TEACCH has done for children here. No positive outcomes, however, have ever been peer reviewed by the TEACCH organisation and their philosophy has not changed one iota in decades. (that autism is a 'culture', that individuals with autism 'like', 'thrive', 'need' routine, etc bloody etc.
The TEACCH program was developed to keep little 'handicapped' children quiet. Please note that the word handicapped still remains in the acronym of TEACCH. In fact the english equivalent of the TEACCH program was until very recently called the 'Society for the Autistically Handicapped'. What are the belief systems of those who subscribe to such language?
A simple google query of 'new autism research' will provide over 1.9 million links, none of which include using the TEACCH method.
TEACCH is about damage control, keeping our children functionally autistic, ensuring a new generation of care and group home employees.
I recently asked the principal of a large 'severe learning disability' (ugh) school to tell me what the outcomes are for kids who make it to mainstream from the school. This individual replied '1 in 20'. I was not surprised. This school uses TEACCH, as do all of the special schools here. The attitude of this individual towards me was patronising and clearly my question was an uncomfortable one. My question was eventually answered but only after much speculation to my motives for asking it. ('oh no, another parent in denial who thinks her kid can learn' and even worse, that thinks I should be able to teach him).
I hope that any parents who intend on attending this conference ensure they get a substantially reduced or free admission. There is no mention in the link to this conference about a reduction for parents, except that if you book early you will save a bit of money.
The conference is not for parents. AutismNI/Autism Ulster changed it's name from PAPA (parents and professionals autism) for a reason. If you want to keep parents out, you charge whacks of money to get in.
Those who will be attending this conference will be "professionals" looking for a couple of days away from their desks, and whose budgets can pay for it.
Researchers and bright minds in autism are not going to attend this conference, nor have they been invited. AutismNI/Autism Ulster clai this conference as 'one of the most important international conferences dealing with autism in 2010'. Perhaps this is so, but only in Ballybackward, not the world.
There will be hundreds of conferences regarding autism in 2010 all over the world, with attendees who are at the top of their research field. AutismNI/Autism Ulster is not in any way known for its research capability, their website is one example of that, and anyone who has something new to share in the field of autism will be hard pressed to take the time or make the effort to come to this conference. Why would they? Researchers needs peer review, their peers won't be here. AutismNI/Autism Ulster does not have the capability to scrutinise research, much less provide its dissemination.
'Smoke and mirrors' conference would be a better title. Here is a list of some other autism conferences taking place in the coming year, all at a substantially lower price and with better line-ups than the one described above. see: http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=140&a=5891 .
I would suggest to parents that we present our own conference, the line-up made up only of parent experts. If we charged £450.00 a head, we could raise enough money to initiate the construction of a new autism specific school or send us all to Washington on an autism fact finding junket, one that would actually amount to something more than than a photo shoot.
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