I'm so annoyed with Super Nanny

[tw1nsmom]

I don't watch the show on a regular basis, but made it a point to tune in last night because the family they were trying to help had an autistic child. I have friends with an autistic son and DS may be on the very mild end of the spectrum, so this is an area of interest for me.

They really dropped the ball. I can't believe they didn't talk to the parents about early intervention/preschool services! That child, and really most autistic children, needs intensive therapy as early as possible. Since the child is three, the school district/county/state must pay for therapy and services for him. There is no way that mother can give that child what he needs every day.

It really was a lost opportunity for the show to not just educate the parents about services available, but to also educate the viewers as well.

 

[summerrluvv]

I don't watch the show on a regular basis, but made it a point to tune in last night because the family they were trying to help had an autistic child. I have friends with an autistic son and DS may be on the very mild end of the spectrum, so this is an area of interest for me.

They really dropped the ball. I can't believe they didn't talk to the parents about early intervention/preschool services! That child, and really most autistic children, needs intensive therapy as early as possible. Since the child is three, the school district/county/state must pay for therapy and services for him. There is no way that mother can give that child what he needs every day.

It really was a lost opportunity for the show to not just educate the parents about services available, but to also educate the viewers as well.

ITA. I was surprised nothing was mentioned about EI either.

 

[nwdisgal]

Wow, I didn't see that show, but I agree you that they did a complete disservice. Kids with Autism definately benefit from early intervention in a multitude of areas. Even the best parent could not possibly be equipped to provide the child with the types of occupational, sensory integration, speech therapy, behavorial therapy etc., that the child will potentially need. What makes Super Nanny any more qualified to handle the special needs of child with Autism than the average joe. Does she have training in Special Education, Speech Therapy or Occupational and Physical Therapy?

 

[shortbun]

It was my first viewing of the show. I think they were just helping with what to do at home and obviously that Mom had NO IDEA what to do. Neither did Dad. Hopefully, we didn't see everything and the expert did give them contacts for lots more help. My nephew is autistic and his parents had NO IDEA either. Luckily, they both worked and the day care led them to the help my nephew needed. Don't you agree that just getting that little boy to use words was a big deal? I thought it was great!!! Mom will be much happier if she gets some help with him. She seemed depressed-kept drifting to her bed and the computer. I think they need to get her on some anti-depressants so she gets her energy back.

 

[DawnCt1]

It was my first viewing of the show. I think they were just helping with what to do at home and obviously that Mom had NO IDEA what to do. Neither did Dad. Hopefully, we didn't see everything and the expert did give them contacts for lots more help. My nephew is autistic and his parents had NO IDEA either. Luckily, they both worked and the day care led them to the help my nephew needed. Don't you agree that just getting that little boy to use words was a big deal? I thought it was great!!! Mom will be much happier if she gets some help with him. She seemed depressed-kept drifting to her bed and the computer. I think they need to get her on some anti-depressants so she gets her energy back.

I agree with you. Too many changes take place in these shows than just one Nanny can effect. I think that there is a lot of help and intervention behind the scenes and what we see it the very edited version of the problem and the results.

 

[tw1nsmom]

I agree that they can't show everything. I also can see the benefit in showing parents some things they can do themselves. However, the show implied that the parents could handle things themselves if they did the exercises that the specialist provided. So many people are unaware of what's available, or are in denial aboujt their child's diagnosis. They could have at least done a brief PSA at the end telling people where to get help. I mean, not everyone is going to get Supernanny and her team to come to their home and help them.

 

[SueM in MN]

I was meaning to watch, but missed it.
I did go the Supernanny website and found they have a link to further information about autism.

Also, the link to that specific episode does say that Jo (the nanny) worked together with world-renowned autism expert Dr. Lynn Koegel. Not having seen the episode, I don't know how clear they made that, but I'm pretty sure the appropriate referrals were made during/after the show.

 

[nwdisgal]

I was meaning to watch, but missed it.
I did go the Supernanny website and found they have a link to further information about autism.

Also, the link to that specific episode does say that Jo (the nanny) worked together with world-renowned autism expert Dr. Lynn Koegel. Not having seen the episode, I don't know how clear they made that, but I'm pretty sure the appropriate referrals were made during/after the show.

I'm glad to hear that.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I don't know much about autism--but for the most part...the show is about parents helping themselves...I don't think I have seen any referrals ever for any child for any reason. It is always about the parents working with the child at home.

I didn't see it--but didn't Jo bring in a person who works with autistic kids. I thought that was good as it seemed an acknowledgement of her limitations. I had assumed the specialist would be on the show though.

 

[tw1nsmom]

The specialist was on the show and she did give some great advice for working with the child at home. But they never talked about speech therapy, OT, PT, ABA therapy... They gave them a daily schedule that showed the child to be home everyday and the mom needing to provide him with stimulation every waking moment. When they left it was like "bye! You have our wonderful chart and if you follow our advice/schedule everything will be AOK. They may have arranged for services after the show, but it would have been so much better if they mentioned what kind of services exist during the show.

So many people have no idea what's out there. Many primary care/pediatricians have little experience with developmental disabilities. There is nowhere for parents to easily get the info on EI. While there were many positives about the show, I just think they missed an opportunity to help many other people by giving them the information about available services.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I have a dumb question--but wouldn't the child's physician/school teachers be recommending this kind of stuff?

I really wish I had seen the show--so since I didn't see it--I'm just asking from that point of view.

 

[summerrluvv]

I have a dumb question--but wouldn't the child's physician/school teachers be recommending this kind of stuff?

I really wish I had seen the show--so since I didn't see it--I'm just asking from that point of view.

The child didn't go to school (from what it showed on the show). He was not school age. Preschool age maybe.

As far as Physicians. Some think kids will "grow out" of these things. Obviously if they have a diagnosis of Autism for the child he is seeing someone though. I would think that someone would refer the family to the appropriate agency for therapy, etc., however, that's not the way the show made it seem. The parents were ecstastic that the child said words so that leads me to believe he has never received any type of therapy before. Of course, they could've JUST received this diagnosis and Supernanny was the first experience with therapy and plan to go to the appropriate agencies to get the child more help, who knows

 

[summerrluvv]

So many people have no idea what's out there. Many primary care/pediatricians have little experience with developmental disabilities. There is nowhere for parents to easily get the info on EI. While there were many positives about the show, I just think they missed an opportunity to help many other people by giving them the information about available services.

My son's pediatrician never thought twice about his delays when he was younger. Someone at work questioned the fact that he didn't really talk at age two and mentioned EI and that's how I found out about the program. Of course now I see advertisements all over the place around here. At the library, on the radio, and there are sections in the local parenting magazines dedicated to EI preschool and birth to age three programs and there are a ton of them.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Thx summerluvv.

 

[DisneyPhD]

The child didn't go to school (from what it showed on the show). He was not school age. Preschool age maybe.

As far as Physicians. Some think kids will "grow out" of these things. Obviously if they have a diagnosis of Autism for the child he is seeing someone though. I would think that someone would refer the family to the appropriate agency for therapy, etc., however, that's not the way the show made it seem. The parents were ecstastic that the child said words so that leads me to believe he has never received any type of therapy before. Of course, they could've JUST received this diagnosis and Supernanny was the first experience with therapy and plan to go to the appropriate agencies to get the child more help, who knows

I am not so sure that and Doc that would go as far as making a Austic dx would say "they will out grow it don't worry about it." Making that Dx and labeling the child is a big thing. If they were unwelling to recomend treatment, chances are they wouldn't make the dx or very least just say it was somewhere on the PDD spectum. But really being a social worker who worked closely with a psychiatrist, I hight doubt that one too. (and if any Doc says that, run and run fast.)

summerrluvv, I read your last post while I was writing this and in your case you son's dx was delayed by your Dr missing the point. (this happens often in the case of deafness, the area I worked closely in, it is very frustrating but some new mesasure has been taken to reduce delays in dx (diagnosis). I am very sorry your Doc dropped the ball on this. I didn't see this show, but did the child already have a dx of austim, or did the show find it out?

I would write the show and tell them you were dispaointed that they did not show the views about refereals for school and thearpy. While they may have coverered it behind the senes, it is important for families wacthing it tha MAY be dealing with simlar situations to see that process and have that example.

They may be wanting to focus just on what happened inside the home since that is what the show does, but everyone knows that dealing with austim is so much more then that.

 

[summerrluvv]

I am not so sure that and Doc that would go as far as making a Austic dx would say "they will out grow it don't worry about it." Making that Dx and labeling the child is a big thing. If they were unwelling to recomend treatment, chances are they wouldn't make the dx or very least just say it was somewhere on the PDD spectum. But really being a social worker who worked closely with a psychiatrist, I hight doubt that one too. (and if any Doc says that, run and run fast.)

summerrluvv, I read your last post while I was writing this and in your case you son's dx was delayed by your Dr missing the point. (this happens often in the case of deafness, the area I worked closely in, it is very frustrating but some new mesasure has been taken to reduce delays in dx (diagnosis). I am very sorry your Doc dropped the ball on this. I didn't see this show, but did the child already have a dx of austim, or did the show find it out?

Oh I wasn't specifically speaking of the autistic boy on the show with the "grow out of it comment", I was just speaking in general about delays and why a doctor wouldn't refer the child to the appropriate specialist. Sorry I wasn't more clear.

I believe the child was diagnosed prior to the show. I didn't catch the beginning, however, that's what I read on another board.

 

[HayGan]

My oldest son was evaluated by a speech therapist shortly after his second birthday (at my insistance!) She was the first one who actually mentioned him being on the autism spectrum. When I called my pediatrician to get a referral for an autism specialist, his reply was "I had my suspicions" I couldn't believe my ears!!! If he had any thoughts of autism why didn't he say anything. Needless to say, he never saw my kids after that!!!

Early intervention is key with so many kids on the spectrum. It has worked wonders with my son!!! If their son was officially diagnosed as being on the spectrum, it is that doctor/psychiatrists responsibility to at least guide the parents to the proper local agencies who can help their child. It certainly isn't the responsibility of some TV show. I do agree that the show and ABC missed a great opportunity to inform the public about autism and how to reconize the signs and seek treatment.

 

[DisneyPhD]

Oh I wasn't specifically speaking of the autistic boy on the show with the "grow out of it comment", I was just speaking in general about delays and why a doctor wouldn't refer the child to the appropriate specialist. Sorry I wasn't more clear.

I believe the child was diagnosed prior to the show. I didn't catch the beginning, however, that's what I read on another board.

I didn't think you were. I understood.

However IF the child had the dx pior to the show, the referrels should of been made then. However just because refferals are made, doesn't mean the parents will follow through. If this is the case it would of been important to adress with the parents how important it is to get the child the help inside the house he needs, and outside (and working together.)

 

[SueM in MN]

The child didn't go to school (from what it showed on the show). He was not school age. Preschool age maybe.

As far as Physicians. Some think kids will "grow out" of these things. Obviously if they have a diagnosis of Autism for the child he is seeing someone though. I would think that someone would refer the family to the appropriate agency for therapy, etc., however, that's not the way the show made it seem. The parents were ecstastic that the child said words so that leads me to believe he has never received any type of therapy before. Of course, they could've JUST received this diagnosis and Supernanny was the first experience with therapy and plan to go to the appropriate agencies to get the child more help, who knows

Children with developmental disabilities (which include autism spectrum disorders) would be covered by the school system from the time they are 3 until their 21st birthday. There are also programs in each state for children from birth to age 3 that are not part of the school system. The child on the show should have been "hooked up" with the appropriate resources when the diagnosis was first made. I don't if he was referred, but the parents didn't follow thru; was referred, but the parents didn't follow thru or if the dovtor never referred him. My youngest DD was diagnosed with cerebral Palsy at 19 months. Her pediatrician didn't believe in early intervention - I asked for a referral and he refused to make one. If I hadn't already known what was available and asked, he would not have mentioned it at all. I got a referal easily from the neurologist he referred us to. Needless to say, we got a new pediatrician pretty soon after that.
Another thing that would have been good to mention is that parents who are concerned can refer their own child for an evaluation.
The PACER Center is a good source of information and links.

 

[summerrluvv]

Children with developmental disabilities (which include autism spectrum disorders) would be covered by the school system from the time they are 3 until their 21st birthday. There are also programs in each state for children from birth to age 3 that are not part of the school system. .
Another thing that would have been good to mention is that parents who are concerned can refer their own child for an evaluation.
The PACER Center is a good source of information and links.

I knew this