The Horse Boy

[Delyth]

Hi all

 

We watched this programme the other evening and thought it was fascinating. Just wondered if other people saw it and what you thought about it.

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00p26x7

 

or the youtube link:

 

 

Best wishes

 

Delyth

[Mandapanda]

Hi Delyth

 

Unfortunately I missed it, but thanks to your link I have bookmarked it and will watch it as soon as I can. (Not having seen it) I wonder how people manage to travel, go strange places, spend time with lots of strange people, with an autistic child? I have had a job to even get out of the house at times!!

[mygifts1306]

I havent seen it, but have just seen the link. I wil see if i can see it on replay.

 

[Kathryn]

No we don't get BBC 4 but I'll try and watch on iplayer - thanks for th e link. I've read various articles about this family and I think there's a thread about it somewhere.

 

K x

[Sally44]

Yes I watched it.

I'm not sure what I think about it.

There are a number of different threads you could take with it ie. children working with animals.

Sharmanism(?) - don't know if I spelt that right.

Totally removing your child from their predictable routine.

 

And many many times I look at what we are doing here in the UK and the supports and services he gets and I wonder if it wouldn't be better for all of us to just get in a van and travel.

 

The parents did say that the morning after the meeting with the last spiritual healer that he started using a toilet. And you did see some improvement in his overall behaviour and interactions. But, as with anything, would it have happened anyway. Or was it down to the healers.

 

I think that parents are prepared to go to astonishing lengths to try to gain some improvement and a better prognosis for their child. And although this journey was uncomfortable for the child at times, I don't think he got more upset than any other child might.

 

And obviously this journey is not one that every child could take. This was a very specific one that was built around the boys strengths and interests (ie. horses).