merlins magic wand

Legacy_user

i came across this on another site what do you think ? ive never used them myself but as a parent of an asd teen [among other issues] it does seem a bit unfair .
http://aspergersinfo.wordpress.com/2011/11/23/merlins-magic-wand-helping-children-benefit-from-the-magic-that-is-unless-they-have-autism/

Prinzessilein

I agree that on a first reading it seems somewhat unfair.

However, we need to remember that ASD is, as it's name implies, a 'spectrum' disorder. Some youngsters may have 'mild' Asperger's - and don't get me wrong, I have ASD myself (and wish that Merlin's Magic Wand and other help had been around when i was young...my mother deserves a sainthood - as do many others Mums, but I'm biased 'cos my Mum is the absolute best!) - and maybe they cope well with their condition.

When I worked, I worked with youngster with assorted difficulties, including many with ASD and I know how varied the condition can be.

When you read the article, over half the applications to Merlin's Magic Wand were from parents of children with ASD. The company has limited funds. I believe that they are honestly trying to be fair to everyone. Children with ASD can still benefit, but their application needs to be endorsed either by their school or by one of the bigger charities.

24skins

I'm astounded by this really, as it is blatantly singling out children with autism - you could argue the 'spectrum' case about many disabilities, for example degrees of sight and hearing loss or cerebral palsy can range from the mild to moderate to the very severely disabling. I hate the attitude that only children in special schools have 'real' autism, it's so unfair to the families that have chosen - or been forced into - the mainstream route.

OneYorkshireLass

Not all parents are members of the NAS.

If you are not a member of your local NAS, you will need to contact any other organisation that you are a member of (incl Special Needs School) that specifically handles children on the Autistic Spectrum.

This reads, to me, that they won't accept applications from state schools. I don't know the figures, but I'm guessing that the majority of children with an ASD are in mainstream education - purely because 'special' schools are few and far between.

They say nearly 50% of the applications were from families with children with an ASD. Doesn't this say to them that they is a need for their service? I know they are a charity and money is tight, but surely limiting applications is the wrong way to go.

I wonder, if their figures showed that nearly 50% of the applications came from families with children in wheelchairs, or with CP, or with Down's Syndrome - would they have taken the same course of action?

*edit*
Melin's have issued a statement:
http://www.merlinsmagicwand.org/news_and_events/display_news.asp?id=56

GlasweJen

I think it's fair enough, obviously merlins are trying to target severely autistic children so making it more difficult as less severe cases are applying and using up resources.