Catherine - Interview 16
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Catherine and her husband have two daughters, both with autism on the severe end of the spectrum. Catherine’s older daughter was slow to reach all milestones and had difficulties from age one. She still has no speech but is learning to communicate using British Sign Language. Her sister’s early development appeared more normal but by 12-15 months it was clear that social and language milestones were very delayed. She had frequent tantrums. She started to have seizures at age 11. With intensive one to one teaching (see below) she has developed some speech.
Nine years ago, at ages 8 and 5, the girls started to be educated mainly at home, in programmes designed to teach language and related skills using an Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) approach. This involves breaking down tasks into very small steps and generalising learned skills in different environments with different people. The girls have 25 hours of schooling each and are taught by a team of teachers with Catherine’s support.
For Catherine, one of the strengths of ABA is that success is measurable and sustainable. She stresses the importance of using trained, competent teachers capable of creating a positive learning environment where the child is happy to co-operate. The girls have remained involved with the local school and attend for brief periods each week at a level that is appropriate for them.
Catherine feels strongly that health professionals should offer parents constructive advice for helping their children’s development and not present a bleak future for children with autistic spectrum disorders.
Catherine’s older daughter enjoys listening to music and going for long walks. Her younger sister likes shopping and videos. Both girls love physical play and car trips.
Catherine has run an ABA programme for several years to help develop her daughters' language skills.

Catherine has run an ABA programme for several years to help develop her daughters' language skills.
Catherine's daughters understand spoken language better when it's combined with signs.

Catherine's daughters understand spoken language better when it's combined with signs.
Catherine explains why she decided to home-school her daughters.

Catherine explains why she decided to home-school her daughters.
Catherine wants her daughters to be out and about in public and explains to people that they can...

Catherine wants her daughters to be out and about in public and explains to people that they can...
Catherine describes how a comment made by a neurologist made a big difference to her. It was...

Catherine describes how a comment made by a neurologist made a big difference to her. It was...
Catherine talks about how her daily life has changed and how 'it is painful to give up everything...
