ASPERGERS - A HELPING HAND
 
 

About the DVD
 

Asperger Syndrome – A Helping Hand is a DVD that has been developed as a result of a young boy’s struggle with the condition in early life and how, with the help and support of his family, the well known actress Vicki Michelle and his teachers, he was able to come to terms with a number of the challenging characteristics that make up this often distressing syndrome. Although the DVD does not directly relate his story, it does address several problems he and those around him encountered during his childhood and adolescence, providing simple strategies and possible solutions on how to cope, many of which are depicted in scenarios performed by Vicki Michelle and a group of young actors.

             
 

 

The DVD is aimed primarily at teenagers and young people with Asperger Syndrome between the ages of 13 – 18 their families and carers although it would benefit anyone having problems with communication whether it be from another related syndrome such Dyspraxia or even shyness.

 

 
 

Following an introduction by Dr Meher Pocha, a Consultant  Paediatrician with many years experience in the field of communication disorders, it gives advice on and demonstrates how to recognise body language before providing strategies on the subtle differences of making introductions between old friends, new peers and people in authority. It then goes on to look at starting, maintaining and ending a conversation before exploring the problems of understanding mixed messages, figures of speech and recognising sarcasm.

 
 

 

Finally it offers tips and advice for families and supporters of people with Asperger Syndrome as well as those they care for. In addition to acting in some of the scenarios, the DVD is also presented by Vicki Michelle who is probably best known for her role as Yvette in the hit BBC sitcom Allo Allo.

  

 
             
 

 

Vicki first became involved with communication disorders about twelve years ago when she received a letter from the mother of the child on whose experiences the DVD is based. The letter explained how the boy often struggled to understand when spoken to particularly by an unfamiliar person, his inability to cope with basic social skills and how he would frequently become confused and distressed in everyday situations. It also explained how he responded positively to one of the actresses performances during a visit to the theatre. Understanding from personal experience the worry caused by having a special needs child in the family, Vicki immediately contacted the family with a view to meeting them and offering some kind of support. Research showed her ability to reach the boy by using her drama skills proved highly beneficial and together with the mother, a teaching assistant, they developed a combination of strategies and games to form a support package. That support continued throughout the boy’s childhood and teenage years and has resulted in the making of this programme in the hope that it may help others. It is hoped that further DVDs will be produced to incorporate problems experienced with other life skills.
   
 

 

The DVD is designed as an educational resource rather than in documentary format and allows the chance for viewers to interact with it and each other. It took 18 months to develop the content which was reviewed by experts on all levels as well as the family behind the project. It should be noted that the strategies and opinions in this DVD should not be substituted for individual medical advice but act as a positive resource on which to build in connection with such. It was filmed on location in Bedford, London and parts of Essex with the kind permission of Chigwell School. The characters themselves are all fictitious.

It is hoped that further DVDs will be produced to incorporate problems experienced with other life skills.

The DVD has been sponsored by The Child Development Centre in Kempston, The Bedford Charity, The Hutchinson Family Charitable Trust, Miss Vicki Michelle and with grateful thanks to Dr Meher Pocha, Consultant Paediatrician and Val Burgess, Teacher and Autism / Asperger Syndrome Advisor for their invaluable input.