Autism and Intensive Interaction: Using Body Language to Reach Children on the Autism Spectrum

Intensive Interaction is receiving increasing acclaim as an effective way of communicating and developing emotional engagement with children with autism, and this film shows just how remarkable the results of this simple, easy-to-use approach can be. This three part film follows Phoebe Caldwell as she works with children who she has never met before and who have been selected because staff find them difficult to engage. It charts their journey from initial rejection to intimate interaction. Together with Penny Mytton, a teacher at the school where the film takes place, Phoebe demonstrates how, by using the child's own body language and sounds to create a `language' that they recognise, a `conversation' can be developed with children who are unable to use conventional communicative methods. To give context to the approach, Phoebe explores the nature of sensory difficulties associated with autism with GP Matt Hoghton, Clinical Champion in Learning Disabilities at the Royal College of General Practitioners. The film concludes with an uncut intervention between Phoebe and eight-year-old Jamie, showing how Intensive Interaction enables the brain to work more effectively and increase social responsiveness to a level that is rewarding for everyone involved. This unique and inspiring training film will be of interest to all professionals working with hard-to-reach autistic children, and will also help parents and carers to connect with those on the spectrum.