Miss Daisy
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I have been involved in home programs with kids on the spectrum here in The Netherlands and on the whole have found that they work well if they are planned and funded well.
Most of my work has been with early intervetion programs with newly diagnosed kids under 5 ( when kids officially start school in Holland). There are also a few under 5 school type places for "special needs" kids into which most of my kids get put.
In Holland if you have a child with "special needs" you have to apply to be assessed and diagnosed and then a budget is allocated for you to spend on two items - help in the home environment and actual therapies. The parents can within reason chose how to spend this budget.
Another thing that may be allocated for over 5's is a "rucksack" assistance to pay for the child to receive support in a school environment.
So... a typical home program here consists of a team of people (including parents) who work with the child at home, at a therapy location and when approriate with some attendance in a "school" environment.
It is bloody hard work and as a parent you have to have lots of energy, be very organised and get knowledgeable about the program you want to create.
I wish all parents who wish to give this a go good luck - don't forget to enrol the help of friends, volunteers and family as well as the "professionals" - don't let yourself burn out or your family life suffer...
XXX Miss Daisy XXX
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