Ben Haslam who has an autism spectrum disorder, attends one of our contracted settings’ residential schools – The Shires at Stretton.
Ben’s parents are fighting a legal battle to have his needs fully recognised. Tonight The shires at Stretton and our therapy team appeared on Channel 4 news at 7.00pm with Ben to support his case.
Watch the full 13 minute review here;
By: Channel 4 News
The parents of a severely autistic boy say their local authority wants to stop funding his place at the special school where he is thriving.
At the end of this week, Bedfordshire County Council will stop funding a place for 12-year-old Ben Haslam at an independent residential special school where he is flourishing.His parents say the local authority is forcing them to decide whether their son should be taken into care to provide him with the special education he needs.
Ben’s parents say the alternative they are being offered by the council requires them to put Ben into care against their wishes.
Their legal battle has already cost them over £60,000.
We wish Ben’s parents all the very best in continuing to fight this case for Ben. I can personally say as Ben’s speech and language therapist that Ben has made such tremendous progress at The Shires and it is a joy to see him thrive.
Sarah Needham Director of Integrated Treatment Services and Speech and Language therapist
14th July 2008
Other Links
Ben Haslam case study on Action for Autism
Ben Haslam video story on the BBC website
Ben Haslam discussion on the BBC Message Board
John Hemmings Ben Haslam blog
Wikio Ben Haslam discussion
The Family Voyage Blogspot, Ben Haslam article about parental rights
Channel 4 article on the Ben Haslam fight.